When I first saw the ESPN scroll about Annika Sorenstam's upcoming press conference Tuesday morning, I knew what it was going to be about. I figured she was going to announce her retirement.

But I also knew that the greatest women's golfer of our era probably can't stay away from the game she loves for very long.

Her reasons for leaving the game at the end of this season are noble ones. She wants to get married, start a family and devote more time to her numerous business ventures. Yet I can't see her stepping away from the game of golf completely.

Many experts have predicted that Annika won't come back if she's not at 100 percent, but she is so competitive that I believe she can be prepared for a comeback within a few months, as long as she doesn't stay away from golf for an extended period. Look how she bounced back from an injury-filled 2007 to win three tournaments already this year!

Annika is a class act. I was fortunate enough to interview her during the U.S. Women's Open one season, and she treats everyone, even the media, with respect. But you can hear the competitive spirit in her voice. Remember that she's only 37 years old. Even if she takes three years off to have a family, she would still be young enough in golf years to make a comeback. That doesn't mean she would be able to quickly resume her status as the best player in the world, but I bet she would love to prove that a 40-something Annika is good enough to be in the top five.

I hope we haven't seen the end of Annika at the end of 2008. She's great for the game of golf -- not just the women's game.