Does Sorenstam Have Another Miracle in Her Bag?

Annika Sorenstam believes she knows what it’s going to take for her to make history today in the Longs Drugs Challenge.

“A 59,” she said.

Considering the source, it was difficult to tell if she believed she could actually do it.

No doubt her chances of winning a record-tying fifth consecutive LPGA tournament are slim after she shot even-par 72 in the second round Saturday at Twelve Bridges Golf Club and failed to make a move.

But the eight-shot deficit between Sorenstam and tournament leader Se Ri Pak is two fewer than the 10 strokes she made up in the final round when she won in a playoff last week at Wilshire Country Club.

In addition, her remarkable winning streak includes an LPGA single-round record 59 and a major championship, so simply making the cut keeps Sorenstam in contention.

“I need a big miracle again,” Sorenstam said. “I don’t know how many times I’ll get one, but I’m happy about my game, I just need to get off to a good start and then keep it going . . . maybe put some pressure on the leaders.”

Pak, who shot 71 Saturday, has two-day total of seven-under 137 and a one-shot lead over Michele Redman. Nobody else is within three shots.

Pak was two over for the day and only four shots ahead of Sorenstam through 14 holes before logging consecutive birdies on 15, 16 and 17. She has entered the final round with a lead seven times and won six.

On Saturday, only four players shot lower than 70 so the task of catching up appears even more formidable.

“This golf course is not easy to catch up,” Pak said. “[Sorenstam] is a really good player, but I don’t know. I can’t guarantee she’s going to catch up that easily.”

Those still hoping for another Sorenstam miracle can look to the history books for hope.

The last time Pak entered a final round with a lead was the 2000 Giant Eagle LPGA Classic last July and, coincidentally, she was tied with Redman. Pak shot 75 in the final round, Redman shot 74 and Dorothy Delasin, who began the day four shots back, won the tournament.

But Pak and Redman both say they are different players than they were a year ago.

“This year, I’m pretty much very confident in myself and my game,” Pak said. “Mentally, I’m stronger than the last few years. The thing is, it’s not easy to be the leader through all 18. Right behind me [are very] strong players.”

Said Redman: “Each week it gets better for me. I’ve worked hard on mental skills.”

Sorenstam might have better odds for coming back had a Friday rainstorm not washed out the second round and shortened the tournament to 54 holes.

Was it a factor in her play Saturday?

“I might have played a little too aggressive in the beginning,” she said. “I felt like I was playing every hole like it was my last hole and every shot my last shot.

“I wish I had two more days to catch up, but I’ve just got one. I think this is a course where you can shoot low. Se Ri proved it when she shot 66 [in the first round].

“I’ve got to play good golf . . . I need to hit 18 greens and pretty much make every putt.”

Impossible?

Consider the source.