DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (Ticker) -- Dottie Pepper, a winner of 17 LPGA tournaments, will miss the remainder of the season with a lingering shoulder problem.

Pepper underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in her left shoulder on March 1. She returned to competitive golf in late June at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, but experienced recurring pain and stiffness in the shoulder prior to the U.S. Women's Open and was forced to withdraw.

This has obviously been a very tough couple of weeks for me since the U.S. Womens Open, but I have complete faith in my medical team, said Pepper. My shoulder just isnt ready for the daily grind of Tour golf yet."

As a result, Pepper will not compete for the United States in the Solheim Cup in September in Edina, Minnesota.

"Withdrawing from The Solheim Cup was one of the most difficult decisions Ive had to make, but at the same time, it was also very easy because I simply would not be able to represent my team and my country the way I feel I could," Pepper said.

Pepper, currently fourth in the 2002 Solheim team standings, will be replaced by the 11th-ranked player in the standings as of September 1. Emilee Klein currently holds the 11th spot.