Greg Norman has declined the PGA of America’s invitation to play the final “Major” of the season, the PGA Championship. He stated that he has decided to “stick to a previous commitment instead of competing in a major championship for the fourth consecutive week”.

Norman was offered the exemption following the British Open. At the Open, Norman held worldwide attention as he held a 54 hole lead in the championship and appeared to be on his way to making golf history as the oldest winner of the British Open Championship. Since then he’s tied for 5th in the Senior British Open, and will play this week in the U.S. Senior Open.

Pre Tiger Woods, Greg Norman was number one on the PGA money list and was consistently the golfer to watch in every tournament he played. Until the British Open, he’s been pretty much absent from the PGA and in his own words doesn’t practice and plays more tennis than golf.

With Tiger Woods out of action, many feared that interest in the PGA would decrease. The return of Greg Norman, playing great golf, sparked a new and unexpected interest, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Imagine Greg Norman tied for the lead going into the 18th in the final round of the PGA Championship. Ok I’m dreaming, but you must admit it would be exciting.

On his website, Norman said, “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.”

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

Greg has also been invited to play the Masters next year since he finished in the top four at the British Open. He hasn’t made a decision on that as yet.