TURNBERRY, Scotland (Ticker) -- All majors are special to Annika Sorenstam. But the British Open holds a significant distinction.

The top female golfer in the world begins the quest for her second major title of the season Thursday when the Women's British Open gets under way at famed Turnberry Golf Club.

Sorenstam has four major victories among her 37 LPGA Tour victories, including this year's Nabisco Championship. But as a native of Sweden, a British Open triumph would hold a special place in her heart.

"It's very important," the 31-year-old said. "Being a European, this event has always been one of the bigger tournaments. I had finished second three times, so I've been close, but I haven't been able to do it."

The first time the British Open was played as one of the LPGA Tour's four majors, replacing the du Maurier Classic, Sorenstam tied for 32nd last season.

"You know, every year, I come here hoping it would be my year," she said. "So, still hoping."

Over the past two seasons, Sorenstam has established herself as the most dominant woman in the sport, winning 14 LPGA Tour titles. She has claimed six of her 14 starts this year and has been no worse than third in her last eight.

But it won't come easy for Sorenstam, who has not played a links course competitively since her days as an amateur. She also must defeat a field that includes defending champion Se Ri Pak of Korea.

Pak is back after claiming the title at Sunningdale Golf Club last season. She is considered one of the favorites on the eve of the year's final major.

"You can't really look past two players playing better than anyone this year -- Se Ri and Annika," Britain's Laura Davies said.

Pak has won two events this season to increase her career victory total to 15. Although she's been around since just 1997, she has four major victories, including this year's LPGA Championship.

This time around, Pak will have to fend off Sorenstam, a handful of other star players and an illness.

"Actually, I just got here Sunday night," she said. "I caught a plane from London to here. If the weather gets cold, bad luck for me. But otherwise, things are great."

If Pak doesn't win, one of her compatriots might be a good bet. Koreans have claimed the last three LPGA Tour events, with Mi Hyun Kim of Korea winning two and Gloria Park the other.

Karrie Webb also is in the field. Although she has just one title in 2002, the two-time Player of the Year from Australia always is a threat. Of her 27 LPGA Tour victories, five are majors.

"Karrie in her best form can win anywhere," Davies said.

Webb won Wednesday's pro-am at Turnberry, which is hosting the Women's British Open for the first time. It has been the site of the men's tournament three times, including Tom Watson's memorable one-shot win over Jack Nicklaus in 1977.

The par-72 layout will play to 6,407 yards. With benign conditions so far this week, Turnberry has not played hard and fast, which will happen if the wind begins to whip. Players still are looking forward to the challenge.

"The golf course is in unbelievable shape," Sorenstam said. "It's a beautiful setting. Everything is really nice. It's really like a championship even before the championship has started."