Is Lorena Ochoa Hearing Footsteps?

She better be, because it's pretty clear that Annika Sorenstam is back. I'm sure Ochoa is ready and that points out one of the most significant differences between the PGA and the LPGA tours. You can rejoice in the fact that 17 of the top 20 players in the world teed it up at this week's Northern Trsut Open, but which other top player is chasing Phil Mickelson? The answer is none. He's chased by the likes of Jeff Quinney, D.J. Trahan and Scott Verplank. I'm not sure but I don't think that a Quinney/Michelson duel is what the average PGA tour fan is wanting to see.

But, this piece is about just how compelling the LPGA tour is by comparison. This year, we have Annika back at full strength. We'll get to see her face off with Ochoa, but you cannot forget about Suzann Pettersen. She is not likely to shrink from the challenge that Sorenstam and Ochoa present. But wait; What about the Americans?

Surely young guns Morgan Pressel, Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis will continue to improve. You also have to believe that battle hardened players like Cristie Kerr aren't just going to take their clubs and go home.

Why do the LPGA player play harder, and play to win? I believe it's because they have to. Their endorsement money is less, the number of tournaments are fewer so they simply have to go for it when they have the opportunity.

But, the real story is Sorenstam. Ochoa will have to step it up to maintain her hold on the number one spot. Not taking anything away from Ochoa's play in 2007, but she did what she did without having to deal with the most complete player in the history of their tour. Comparing the two head to head comes out this way: Off the tee, it's pretty much of a tie. Ochoa may be a tad longer but she is not as straight. Sorenstam's irons are better than Ochoas from virtually every distance. Neither player has a great short game but Sorenstam is able to see and play more shots around the greens. Ochoa has the edge in putting but if Sorenstam sees a few more fall like the one at 17 at the SBS she may be off to a different kind of putting year than we have seen in quite a while.

It's going to be a heck of a ride this year on the LPGA circuit and my guess is that it will be Annika Sorenstam who once again reigns supreme. There was something about that 70th victory that makes me believe that she'll be gunning for Kathy Whitworth's mark of 88 titles with renewed energy. When Annika wins, she wins in bunches. No matter what it's going to be a great season.