03:17 PM EDT on Wednesday, June 28, 2006

BY PAUL KENYON
Journal Sports Writer

NEWPORT -- Success is relative. Take Annika Sorenstam's situation, for instance.

The reigning queen of women's golf has played in nine tournaments this year. She has finished in the top 10 seven times, which gives her the best record on the LPGA Tour in that department. She won the season-opening tournament in Mexico.

But as she begins play today in the 61st U.S. Women's Open at Newport Country Club, the biggest question involving Sorenstam is: what's wrong with her?

She has gone three months, covering eight events, without a victory, the longest dry spell she has had since she assumed the role of the world's best women's player six years ago. Some feel that she is at a bit of a crossroads in her career. Being at the Open only intensifies the situation.

Sorenstam won the Open in 1995 and 1996. But she has not won since, although she has not played poorly. In the last four years, she has had two seconds and a fourth before settling for a tie for 23rd last year at Cherry Hills.

She downplays her Open record.

"I love to come to the Open. I've always said it's our biggest championship. This is a tough championship to win," she said. "I know it's been a long time ago, but I still remember it very clearly. I have great memories from this event. I've been close a few times but, you know, it's tough. A lot of things have to go right."

As she speaks about the Open and the state of her game, Sorenstam does not sound like a player who is panicking or worrying about her position as the game's best. Her style is to take matters slow and easy, both on and off the course.

She is candid in assessing her game.

"Obviously, I'm not so happy with this year," she said. "I got off to a great start in Mexico. Then my game has really been up and down. I haven't been as consistent. I think the stats say a lot, not as many fairways hit, not as many greens hit. But I've also had some moments that have been very, very up-and-down. I make a birdie and maybe three in a row, and (then) make three bogeys. I make a lot more mistakes on the course and I think that's what's hurt me so far."

At age 35, a time when golfers traditionally have been at their peak, Sorenstam has had some of the spotlight taken away, both by the host of rising young stars and the re-emergence of two other Hall of Famers, Karrie Webb and Se Ri Pak. There are aspects of being No. 1, namely being under constant scrutiny, she does not miss.

"First of all, I'm not ready to retire," she said. "There's a lot that comes with it, being one of the top players and being out there in the limelight every week. It's different to be home and play and practice and not worry about it too much.

"There's a lot going on every week, so that's why I don't play as much as other players. It's about pacing myself and being able to balance the competition with all the other responsibilities. That's something I think is very important and I try to do better and better every year. You have to try and find a good balance."

She is as mystified about her "slump," if that's the right word, as anyone else.

"I definitely have become a better player just the last few years. A lot of it for me has to do with my short game," she said. "I've improved a lot there. I think my bunker game is getting better.

The fact that she gets so many questions about what's wrong goes back to her incredible run of success. Her domination of the women's game has been every bit as strong as Tiger Woods' performance on the men's tour. In fact, she and Woods have become friends who work together at times in Florida.

She has won 67 times, including nine majors. She has been player of the year eight times and the Vare Trophy winner for lowest stroke average six times.

Since 2001, she has won an astounding 44 times. She went an amazing 197 straight tournaments without missing a cut in a non-major.

As her career takes this latest turn, Sorenstam insisted she is not concerned about Lorena Ochoa, Michelle Wie or any other player.

"What motivates me is myself and the things I think I should be capable of achieving," she said. "I always said that when I came out on tour I didn't think I would win a single one and now I'm sitting here with 67.

"I've had to adjust my goals along the way," she added. "I don't want to force it by looking at the major winners. I want to play. I know what I'm capable of. I set yearly goals and that's where I go from."

pkenyon@projo.com / (401) 277-7340