Ochoa would consider following in Sorenstam's footsteps to play man

IXTAPA, Mexico -- Top-ranked women's golfer Lorena Ochoa on Friday said she would consider following Annika Sorenstam and take on a male player.

Ochoa, who plays Sorenstam in a skins tournament Saturday, said it would be fun to play a match against a male player.

Former No. 1 Sorenstam, who has announced plans to retire after this LPGA season, was invited to play in the Bank of America Colonial tournament in 2003, making her the first woman to play in a U.S. PGA Tour event since Babe Zaharias in 1945. Sorenstam also took on male opposition in several skins tournaments.

When a reporter asked Ochoa if she would play against a man, the Mexican said "I am not going to say no."

"Perhaps we'll change direction," she added. "I am flexible. We are willing to look at something fun, and it could be fun to play a man."

Ochoa did not mention any potential events or competitors.