Annika Sorenstam Warms up at Edgewood Wednesday; Celebrities on Their Way To Tahoe

"The course is in great shape and it's a beautiful day in Lake Tahoe," Annika Sorenstam said as she took time out from her round of golf at Edgewood Tahoe Wednesday to speak to the media. She is preparing for next week's 25th American Century Championship where she'll compete against other professional athletes and entertainers.

Sorenstam, who has a 2nd home in Lake Tahoe and spends three to four months a year there, said she's been a spectator on hole 17th during the past celebrity tournaments and is looking forward to being a competitor this year.

"This is not an easy golf course and you have to admire the people out here golfing that aren't professional golfers," Sorenstam said about her competition next week. She retired from the LPGA tour six years ago with 89 international tournament victories and 10 LPGA major championships but didn't want anyone to take that as a sign she's returning to the tour. " She will be playing from the Championship tees at Edgewood.

Former Denver Bronco quarterback John Elway joined in the phone call along with Iraqi War veteran and amputee Col. Chad Pfeifer.

Elway is one of four players to have played in all 25 of the annual tournaments. "I come back every year to catch up with everyone," he said. "The camaraderie is tremendous."

Howie Nave of The Improv and KRLT has challenged Elway to put together a five minute comedy routine to perform at the comedy club during the golf week. Elway said he'd work on it. Nave spoke of his two tours with the troops overseas and told Col. Pfeifer that the soldiers made the best and most appreciative audiences.

Pfeifer says he is looking forward to Tahoe and playing in the tournament he's only watched on TV in the past. "This is an incredible opportunity for me," the Colonel said. "My goal is to have as much fun as I possibly can and to test my skills against these other guys and gals."

Reporters joked with Sorenstam that they heard her handicap against the others in the tournament will her playing with Charles Barkley and Larry the Cable Guy. She said she hadn't heard that.

Annika said the Stableford format of the tournament is fun and she can't wait to see who she'll be playing with and how much fun they'll have.

As of Wednesday she is favored at even money. Five time champ Rich Rhoden is 5-1, last year's champion Billy Joe Tolliver is at 9-2 Elway is 12-1 and Pfeifer is 15-1.

Tickets are available for the tournament on line, at the gate or at Raley's/Bel Air and Nob Hill Markets. All military will be admitted free.