The Associated Press

FORT WORTH, Texas - Annika Sorenstam wondered how she would stack up against stronger players on tougher courses under the most suffocating scrutiny. So she's going to play against men.

Sorenstam accepted an invitation Wednesday to play in the Colonial in May, which would make her the first woman in 58 years to compete on the PGA Tour.

"For all the well-wishers who want to know why I would accept such a challenge, the answer is simple: I am curious to see if I can compete in a PGA Tour event," Sorenstam said.

She won 13 times on the LPGA Tour last year, shattered its scoring record and finished out of the top 10 only three times. In 2001, she became the first woman to shoot 59 and earn more than $2 million in one season.

"I think she wants to find out how good she really is, and if the gap between women's golf and men's golf is that great - or not great at all," Tiger Woods said.

Tournament chairman Dee Finley said no Colonial members objected to Sorenstam's participation in the event.

"I don't see how anybody could say having the finest woman golfer would have a negative impact on the club," he said.

Sorenstam picked the perfect course - one that does not require as much power off the tee. Colonial is 7,080 yards (par 70) and puts a premium on accuracy, her forte. She averages 265 yards off the tee, which would rank close to 200th on the PGA Tour.

The last woman to play on the PGA Tour was Babe Zaharias, in the 1945 Los Angeles Open. She made the 36-hole cut before she was eliminated in the third round with a 79.

LPGA Tour commissioner Ty Votaw said Sorenstam's performance should not be viewed solely as a competition against the men. "This is Annika vs. Annika," he said.