Sorenstam to leave competitive golf

CLIFTON, N.J., May 13 (UPI) -- Annika Sorenstam, who has won 72 tournaments and more than $22 million in 15 years on the LPGA, Tuesday said she was leaving the tour after this season.

In an announcement on her Web site, Sorenstam wrote, "It is time for me to try and achieve more in other facets of life, and in the years to come I will be committed to getting married, starting a family, growing the game of golf, giving back to others, and the expansion of the ANNIKA brand of businesses …"

Sorenstam is coming off a win Sunday at the LPGA's Michelob ULTRA Open in Williamsburg, Va., for her 72nd tour victory. She also had won 16 international tournaments.

"I still love the competition and winning tournaments, but the daily demands and amount of time required to stay near the top have become more than I desire," Sorenstam's statement said.

Sorenstam, 37, has won 10 women's major golf tournaments and been the sport's player of the year eight times, most recently in 2005. Her total winnings of $22,081,560 is an LPGA record.