It's Official: Wie Not Playing LPGA Tour Championship

The final field list for the LPGA Tour Championship was released today and Michelle Wie's name is absent. Which makes official what was already unofficial: Wie is skipping the Tour Championship.

That's a shame, and she might have wound up skipping the tournament anyway because of her back problems. But she is still scheduled to play the following week in Dubai, where there's a hefty appearance fee involved. Just how back her back is right now will probably be evident if she withdraws from Dubai.

Michelle and Lola Claus

Is that Lola Claus .... or Lola Claws? It's Lola either way. Michelle Wie and her doggie in an image Michelle posted on Twitter:

Back Problems Cause Wie to WD at Ochoa

Michelle Wie shot a 78 in the first round of the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, and then withdrew from the tournament with back problems.

Wie has had back problems off and on throughout 2010, although nothing until now that caused this kind of reaction. Hopefully some time off will help her heal. But Beth Ann Baldry of Golfweek reported that the pain is being caused by " little cysts near her spine and a bulging disc."

I'm no doctor and don't play one on the Web, but that sounds painful. I wonder if we've seen the last of Michelle in 2010.

Best of luck to Michelle for a speedy recovery and some good news going forward.

Wie's Grouping for Loreno Ochoa Invitational

Michelle Wie tees off on Thursday in the first round of the LPGA Lorena Ochoa Invitational at 12:51 p.m. local time Guadalajara.

Wie, the defending champion, is playing with Juli Inkster and Cristie Kerr. View the pairings sheet to follow as players are regrouped after each round.