Sorenstam eyes Rancho Mirage with high hopes

RANCHO MIRAGE, California (Reuters) - Three-times winner Annika Sorenstam has banished memories of an injury-plagued 2007 campaign and is eager to maintain her fast start to the year at this week's Kraft Nabisco Championship.

The former world number one clinched her 70th LPGA title at the SBS Open in Hawaii in February before recording top-10 finishes in her next three Tour starts.

"I feel good about my game," Swede Sorenstam told reporters at Mission Hills Country Club on Wednesday during preparation for the first women's major of the season.

"I'm in a good place. I'm excited my motivation is back and it's just a matter of can I get the job done and finish it. I feel like I'm very, very close.

"It's always fun to win your first tournament and for me it was extra special to really feel like I'm back and feel like I'm contending and can be in the winner's circle again," the 37-year-old added.

"It was important for me personally to know that the winter practice has paid off. It gives you a little extra step, a little momentum. I missed winning and I missed hitting good golf shots."

Sorenstam competed in only 13 LPGA events last year due to a back injury, posting six top-10 finishes. It was her first season without a title since her rookie campaign in 1994.

"I've kind of put 2007 in the past and I'm just looking forward to this season and how I'm playing," the Florida resident said.

NO PAIN

"I have recovered pretty fast, I would say. I have no pain. I have no restrictions. I can work out as much as I want, so it's a good thing."

Although the 10-times major winner has relinquished top spot in the world rankings to Mexican Lorena Ochoa, she is more concerned about her own game.

"Lorena's playing some spectacular golf right now and I'm just focusing on the things I can control," Sorenstam said. "And that's my own game and the things I want to achieve.

"If I achieve my goals, I think things will fall into place. A good season for me would be several wins, a few majors and just being the best player out here. I have high expectations of myself and I believe I can do it.

"It's not just me trying to chase Lorena; it's about me trying to play the golf I know how and I want to do. That's why I play this game, I enjoy it. It's not necessarily where I am on the money list or the rankings."

Asked to evaluate her game, Sorenstam replied: "If a 10 was in 2003, I would say I'm probably eight-and-a-half."

The Swede won six LPGA titles in 2003, including two majors.

Winner of the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2001, 2002 and 2005, Sorenstam will tee off in Thursday's opening round with South Korea's Kim Mi-hyun.

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)