INSIDE LOOK: OTHER SORENSTAM HAS SOME GAME, TOO.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

As Charlotta Sorenstam approached the 10th tee box to start her second round of the Office Depot Championships on Saturday, one boy excitedly recognized her.

He pointed her out to his friend and said: ``That's Annika's sister.''

That's how it goes when you're the younger sister of the world's best female golfer.

While this Sorenstam doesn't operate under the same scrutiny, command the mega endorsement deals or get invitations to play on a PGA Tour event, she's not half bad at golf, either.

Charlotta shot an 8-over par 75-77-152 and just made the cut for today's final round at El Caballero Country Club. Annika has a two-shot lead over the field - although four golfers didn't finish their rounds because of darkness.

``It's great,'' Charlotta said of the opportunity to play on the same tour. ``It's a friend also. She helps me out with things and I help her out. It's nice to have friends who you can have dinner with. Otherwise, it gets pretty lonely if you're stuck to yourself.''

Charlotta, who turns 30 this month, is in her seventh season on the LPGA Tour. Her career earnings top the $1 million mark and she has one tournament victory.

One of her most notable accomplishments on tour is her six holes-in-one. She's recorded 10 holes-in-one and tied an LPGA-record with three last year. One of those aces earned her a new car.

``I don't know (what it is), but every one of them have been perfect golf shots,'' Charlotta said. ``Plus luck. You need combined luck and perfect golf shots.''

The Sorenstam sisters, who grew up in Sweden, played golf together and were also quite capable tennis players when they were young. The two sometimes practice together, although not as frequently now. Annika has her home base in Incline Village, Nev., and Charlotta's is in Scottsdale, Ariz.

But when the tour is in full swing, they do plenty together.

``Obviously, I like having her out here because we get to see each other and she's been very supportive the last few years,'' Annika said. ``You know, we started playing golf together. It's nice we can both live our dreams out here.''

Only Annika can't remember the last time she and Charlotta played a round together in an LPGA Tournament.

The two crossed paths during Saturday's round. As Annika was walking down the fairway on hole No. 7, Charlotta was taking relief near the cart path, and then again from cable cords, on the 12th hole.

Annika's gallery gathered around Charlotta to watch her hit a great shot out of the dirt on the fairway.

Charlotta has made a concerted effort to work on her short game, specifically putting. She recently added an artificial putting green in her backyard.

Her two dogs - who often travel with her - like to play on it, too.

The Sorenstams don't always talk shop. They work out together more than they play golf together. Annika has recently added more muscle to her frame and Charlotta followed suit. She said she can drive the ball about 15 yards farther now.

``(Annika) started and I said, `Oh, this really works. I'm going to try this, too,' '' Sorenstam said. ``I don't get tired. I feel stronger. My technique is good and I hit so much better than I used to hit. You still have to swing good to hit it far.''

Something both Sorenstams do well.

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CHARLOTTA SORENSTAM

Younger sister of Annika made the cut for today's final round of the Office Depot Championship.