Sorenstam is going for her fourth victory in the event

The Swede lines up in California with the likes of teenagers Michelle Wie, Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer.

"It's great for women's golf that all the young players are coming through," said the nine-time major winner.

"But whether it's Paula Creamer or (45-year-old) Juli Inkster, I just want to beat them all."

Sorenstam admitted she was "lightly raced" this season but remained confident of a fourth win in the event.

"I'm excited about the days ahead," she said. "I've only played three tournaments this year, but I feel ready.

"The course is in as good a shape as I've ever seen it. The rough is thick and the greens are faster and firmer.

"The key will be ball-striking and the short game - just how it should be for a major."

I can actually do a couple of push-ups now - I'm really proud of myself Michelle Wie

Pressel and Wie, the two most exciting young talents in women's golf, are set to play their first major as professionals at Rancho Mirage this week.

And the teens, already billed as rivals, are attracting most of the media attention.

"I didn't really realise it was my first major as a professional," said Wie. "That's really cool. I'm excited."

The 16-year-old American can be forgiven for forgetting this is her professional debut in a major championship as she already has four top-10 finishes in majors as an amateur. In fact, two of those came in this event.

"I'm excited to be back here," said Wie, who first hit the headlines when she finished ninth here as a 13-year-old.

"Obviously, I've got great memories and I feel I'm playing well."

While Wie has chosen to rely on sponsor's invitations to men's and women's professional events, the 17-year-old Pressel has taken a more traditional path by following a glittering amateur career with graduation to the LPGA Tour.

She joined the circuit at the start of the season and has finished fifth, 11th and 60th in her three tournaments. Wie was third in her only LPGA appearance this season.

Pressel, who tied for second at last year's US Women's Open, has previously been critical of Wie's decision to skip junior and amateur events, but in California this week she has been more diplomatic.

Teen star to join tour early

"I don't know Michelle too well because she hasn't played in many of the same tournaments as me," said the Florida schoolgirl, who was rated the top amateur in the world last year.

"It's great for women's golf and for promoting the women's tour that we are seen as great rivals."

Wie, for her part, has also sought to avoid any controversy ahead of the year's first major.

"Everyone should be allowed to say what they think, and I'm pleased she's got opinions," she said. "But I'm just out here doing my thing."

Part of that thing has been working with legendary swing coach David Leadbetter in an attempt to add length to her already prodigious drives.

"I'm doing weight training and I feel stronger, especially coming out of the rough," she said. "I actually felt stronger hitting out of the rough.

Feature: Michelle's millions

"And my irons are getting a little bit more yardage. But overall, I just feel great. I can actually do a couple of push-ups now. I'm really proud of myself."

Play starts at Mission Hills Country Club's Dinah Shore course on Thursday.