GOLF: U.S. Women's Open

Today's one to watch is the final 36 holes of the 2006 Women's U.S. Open from Newport, Rhode Island. Due to fog on Thursday, play has been condensed into 3 days. Sunday will be a test of endurance and determination. Legend Annika Sorenstam is tied with Pat Hurst at -2 for a share of the lead at the half way point.

Lately women's golf has gotten nearly as interesting as ladies tennis. And I'm not talking about the quality of competition. Instead, I'm refering to the quality of the competitors! For years women's golf had nothing sexy about it, literally. Then came Annika Sorenstam. While she dominated the sport for the past 10 years, Anika always appeared a cool-as-ice Nordic warrior goddess. She can play with the boys and look good too, even if not spectacular. Annika has a great all-around game, stays fit, and was even a regular in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for a couple of years.

However, in the past few years the LPGA has seen an influx of young and attractive talent. Nobody has been more prolific than Michelle Wie, who currently sits in 3rd place at even par. The 16 year-old Hawaiin can crush the ball as far as many male pros. If she can develop a short game, Wie will be a force for years and may make a mark in PGA tournments too. Natalie Gulbis (+5), Paula Creamer (+1), Lorena Ochoa (+2), and Morgan Pressel (+8) are all names for which I would recommend doing a Google search if you're still not sure you can watch an LPGA tournament. You might change your mind, especially if you see Natalie Gulbis' 2006 calendar!

My pick: Annika Sorenstam. I would really like to pick Wie as I'll be rooting for her. Her fitness and youth could be a big edge in the 36 hole marathon. But her inexperience and putting game will also likely be liabilities. Plus Annika has surprisingly not won this major in nearly 10 years and is overdue.



So that's what I'll be watching. Who will you be watching? Natalie or Michelle?