Norman declines USPGA invitation

Australian veteran Greg Norman has turned down the chance to play in next week's USPGA Championship after his spectacular performance at the Open.

The 53-year-old missed out on becoming the oldest winner in Open history but finished joint third, followed by a joint fifth finish at the Senior Open.

"It's a great honour to be thought of in that regard," said the former world number one.

Darren Clarke who came 42nd in the 2006 tournament, has accepted an invitation.

American Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger, who won the title in 1993, will take part and will also be keeping an eye on the form of some of his potential picks.

Previously captains have had wild card decisions to make at the end of the final major of the year, but Azinger is taking three extra weeks over his four picks.

The top five players from both Europe's world points list and the Order of Merit earnings will be selected for the Ryder Cup, which is being held in Louisville, Kentucky in September.

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