Watson says no to US PGA

OPEN Championship runner-up Tom Watson has turned down the chance to play in next week’s USPGA Championship in Minnesota.

The 59-year-old, whose performance at Turnberry gripped the sporting world, told officials he “greatly appreciated” their invitation to play at Hazeltine, but unfortunately he had long-standing plans with his family.

Watson needed to par the final hole to become the oldest major champion in history by 11 years, but bogeyed and lost the four-hole play-off to fellow American Stewart Cink.

He will be at Augusta for The Masters next April, but admits that course is too long for him now and will also play what is likely to be his last Open at St Andrews next July unless the Royal and Ancient Club up the age limit for past champions to more than 60.