Also, there will be a new face amidst the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Craig Stadler, Hale Irwin and Dave Stockton, assistant captain for the 2008 Ryder Cup team.
Charley Hoffman, a rising PGA Tour star from UNLV will play in the event for the first time, Miller said. Hoffman will team with former BYU star Dean Wilson because Wilson's regular partner, Mike Weir, is unavailable this year due to the Canadian Skins Game.
"I am sort of enamored by this Charley Hoffman, the guy with the long blond hair," Miller said. "I really think he has a good chance to be a terrific player. . . . I like to bring guys [in] who are just a little one off. . . . I try to bring in guys who are not too vanilla, you know."
Miller unveiled the entire 24-person tournament field (12 two-person teams) at a news conference Tuesday at Thanksgiving Point. The tournament is scheduled for June 16-17 at the resort course in Lehi, with a pro-am the first day and an 18-hole scramble tournament the second day.
Highlighting the list, of course, is Sorenstam, as has been previously reported by The Salt Lake Tribune. She will team with her sister, Charlotta, after the twosome almost won the tournament two years ago before being edged out by Miller and his son, Andy.
"Getting Annika to come back is pretty amazing," Miller said. "We're pretty lucky, is the bottom line. Two years ago, she might have generated more buzz than anyone we've had here."
Hoffman played in the Nationwide Tour event at Willow Creek Country Club in 2005 and 2006 and won the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic on the PGA Tour in 2007. In 15 events this year, Hoffman has made six cuts and has three top-10 finishes. He is 80th in the FedEx Cup standings, but has made three of the last five cuts.
Miller said Jack Nicklaus will also play this year, after skipping last year with an injury.
"Jack is playing pretty good right now. He's on a diet. He's retired, but he is still competitive," Miller said.
Champions Tour star Mark O'Meara, who won last year with Orem's Mike Reid, cannot make it this year because of a schedule conflict. The tournament's pro-am is the day after the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Club is scheduled to conclude.
Reid will "defend" the championship with one of his sons.
drew@sltrib.com
The lineup
The pairings and tee times will be announced at a later date. Here are the teams:
* Annika Sorenstam/Charlotta Sorenstam
* Jack Nicklaus/Mike Nicklaus
* Hale Irwin/Steve Irwin
* Craig Stadler/Chris Stadler
* Dean Wilson/Charley Hoffman
* Dave Stockton/Dave Stockton Jr.
* Ian Baker-Finch/Jack Nicklaus II
* Jason Zuback/Bobby Wilson
* Mike Reid/Mike Reid's son
* Andy Miller/Todd Miller
* Johnny Miller/Scott Miller
What: 11th Annual Sorenson Champions Challenge
When: June 16-17
Where: Thanksgiving Point Golf Club
Who: The field of 24 golfers will include rising PGA Tour star Charley Hoffman for the first time, as well as the return of LPGA great Annika Sorenstam
Tickets: Visit www.championschallengegolf.com
