Norman says 'no' to USPGA

Norman: Taking a break

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Greg Norman has decided to turn down the chance to play in next week's USPGA Championship in Detroit.

The 53-year-old was issued an invitation for the final Major of the year after his outstanding performance in The Open at Royal Birkdale.

Leading heading into the final round, Norman eventually finished tied for third and then managed a tied fifth finish at the Senior British Open last week.

However, with the US Seniors Open getting underway on Thursday, the Australian has decided attempting to play four weeks in a row is too much.

Great week

"While I truly appreciate the PGA extending me an exemption for this year's PGA Championship, I have elected to decline in favor of adhering to the professional and personal commitments I made prior to The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale," Norman said on his website.

"I wish the PGA and Oakland Hills all the very best for what I'm sure will be a great week for golf."

Darren Clarke, who missed the 2006 USPGA the week after his wife Heather died of breast cancer but returned last year to finish 42nd, has accepted an invite.

There are two spots in the PGA field still to be filled with positions left open in case the winners at the Bridgestone World Championship event in Akron and Reno-Tahoe Open are not exempt.

German Alex Cejka is amongst the list of reserves waiting to discover if those gaps will be filled or not.