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Greg Norman has rejected an offer to compete in next month’s US PGA championship – but has made an early commitment to the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth next February.
The 53-year-old former World No.1, who rolled back the years when he came close to winning a third British Open two weeks ago, will tee up in the Classic at The Vines course from February 19-22.
The tournament, jointly sanctioned by the Australasian, European and Asian tours, returns to Australia for the fifth time.
Norman, the winner of more than 80 tournaments worldwide, including British Opens in 1986 and 1993, spent a total of 331 weeks at the top of the world rankings.
Despite being only a part-time golfer these days he managed to lead the Open at Royal Birkdale in the final round before finishing tied for third.
His performance prompted US PGA promoters to offer him a spot in the field at Oakland Hills in Michigan from August 7-10.
Norman said he would stick to a previous commitment instead of competing for a fourth straight week.
He tied for fifth last week at the Senior British Open and will play this week in the US Senior Open at The Broadmoor in Colorado.
“While I truly appreciate the PGA extending me an exemption for this year’s PGA Championship, I have elected to decline in favour 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.”
Norman, who played the British Open while on his honeymoon with tennis great Chris Evert, said he would return to work next week as CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises.
Still to be determined is whether he will accept his invitation to the US Masters for finishing among the top four in the British Open.