Sorenstam in upbeat mood after opening 71

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

RANCHO MIRAGE, California (Reuters) - Three-times winner Annika Sorenstam was satisfied with an opening one-under-par 71 at the Kraft Nabisco Championship on Thursday at a venue where she feels very comfortable.

The 37-year-old Swede, seeking her 11th major title, piled up four birdies and three bogeys to end a hot and breezy day at Mission Hills Country Club four strokes off the pace.

"It was good today," world number two Sorenstam told reporters at the opening women's major of the season. "I left a few (shots) out there but, you know, it was solid. If I would have had three under, I would have been very, very pleased."

The Swede, who competed in only 13 LPGA events last year due to a back injury, said patience had been at a premium in the opening round, especially because of the windy conditions.

"You just have to go out and battle it day by day, stroke by stroke, and take it as it comes," Sorenstam added. "That's what majors are about.

"I haven't done anything to ruin my chances, by any means. A few more would have been great, but there is definitely a long way to go."

The former world number one, winner of the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2001, 2002 and 2005, has always loved competing on the par-72 desert layout.

"I think it's a great golf course and I love it here," the 10-times major winner said. "It's tough when the wind is the way it is and it's tough when the greens are so firm.