Back injury to sideline golfer Sorenstam

Annika Sorenstam withdrew Thursday from the Ginn Open because of a ruptured disk in her back that will keep her from playing on the LPGA Tour for at least a month.

"I've been playing with quite a bit of pain for the past several weeks," Sorenstam said in a statement. "I couldn't take it much more and decided it was time to see someone after the pro-am yesterday. I withdraw with deep regret."

Sorenstam, 36, said doctors in south Florida discovered a ruptured disk and a bulging disk. She said she would see a neurosurgeon in Miami later Thursday to figure out what to do next.

She still plans to open her Annika Academy at Ginn Reunion Resort on Monday.

Sorenstam has won 69 times on the LPGA Tour, including 10 majors, during her 13-year career. This is her first significant injury. If she only misses one month, Sorenstam could return in time for the Ginn Tribute, a new tournament that starts May 31 in South Carolina in which she will be the official host.

The next major is the LPGA Championship to be played June 7-10 at Bulle Rock outside Baltimore. Sorenstam was never a factor in the first major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship, in which she shot 8-over 296 for her highest 72-hole score in a major in nine years.