EDINA, Minn. (June 27, 2008) - Annika Sorenstam sounded a lot like Phil Mickelson at Torrey Pines after she stumbled to a first round 75 in the U.S. Women’s Open. Minus the crazy no-driver decision.

Sorenstam talked about sticking to her gameplan, which is the same thing Mickelson spewed before blowing up in the second round of his dream Open.

Well, it turns out that the difference between Sorenstam and Mickelson is that her gameplans actually work. For the longtime face of the LPGA Tour is 3 under through 12 holes this morning, putting her 1 under for the Open with 6 under still standing up as the lead so far.

You can say what you want about Sorenstam’s lack of emotion - and she called herself “a cold player” in demeanor this week - but there’s no doubting her mental toughness. In women’s golf where careers often peak very early (in Michelle Wie’s case at about age 15), Sorenstam is still the No. 2 ranked player in the world at age 38. That takes more than mere golf ability. That requires the kind of steel mind that Mickelson always seems to be searching for himself.

The USGA may get its dream weekend scenario after all. At least the one minus the still attention-gobbling Wie. Sorenstam and Paula Creamer (who’s moved to 4-under for the tournament herself, just two shots out of the lead) could be going against each other down the stretch with the Open on the line.

Sorenstam’s already willed herself back into another tournament. That’s a start.

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