Tom Watson Will Probably Decline PGA Championship Invite

A year ago, Greg Norman finished third at the British Open after leading the tournament through 54 holes. He then earned a top-5 finish at the Senior British Open the following week.

His out-of-nowhere showing at Royal Birkdale was enough for the PGA Championship to extend him an invitation. Partly because of his performance in Europe, but also because Tiger Woods was rehabbing a bum knee and Norman could help counter floundering television ratings.

He ultimately declined, Padraig Harrington went on to win his second major in as many months, and ratings were predictably awful.

Tom Watson lost to Stewart Cink in a playoff last week at Turnberry, good for second place. It wasn't enough to automatically qualify for next month's PGA Championship, but like Norman, he will likely be extended an invite. Also like Norman, it sounds like Watson will take a pass. Via the Associated Press:

Told that it would be nice to see him win the PGA and complete the career Grand Slam, Watson chuckled and said, "Right now I wouldn't hold my breath that I'm going to be playing the PGA. ... There are certain courses that you can play and that you can compete on and do well," Watson said. "Not all of them, but there are certain ones. And Turnberry was one for me."

Watson talked last week about how he found Augusta National nearly unplayable. And Hazeltine, site of the PGA Championship, will measure more than 7,600 yards with three par-5s greater than 600 yards, which might play a role in his decision.

Japan's Ryo Ishikawa and former U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman have already received invites, and PGA of America spokesperson Julius Mason told the AP the rest of the exemptions wouldn't be decided until August 3.

So for now, Watson prepares for the Senior British Open and we'll know something for sure in two weeks.