Ron Sirak breaks the news...take that Christina Kim-chronicler Shipnuck!

The decision by three LPGA players to pose semi-nude in a magazine will undoubtedly draw some attention. But is it the kind of attention the tour wants?

The women's tour will no doubt get a triple-whammy of attention -- both wanted and unwanted -- next month when three of its players appear in ESPN the Magazine in tastefully covered states of undress. An LPGA executive said Sunday that Sandra Gal, a second year player from Germany by way of the University of Florida, Anna Grzebian, a second year player from Duke, and Christina Kim, who is in her seventh year on tour, will appear in the Oct. 19 "Bodies" issue of ESPN the Magazine.

The special theme issue, sort of a response by ESPN to the highly successful Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, will celebrate both the male and female athlete. A source familiar with the issue says Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and tennis star Serena Williams will be on the cover. The three LPGA players will appear with golf-themed items -- carts, clubs etc. -- covering strategic parts. But as always happens in these cases, more attention will fall on the female athletes and they will somehow be seen as undermining the credibility of their sports, a charge never leveled at male athletes in beefcake poses.