Clarke and McGinley invited to US PGA

Despite falling outside the world’s top 100, Ryder Cup heroes Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley have received late invitations to play in the US PGA Championship in Tulsa next month.

It means all 12 of Ian Woosnam’s team from last September will be playing in the final major of the season.

“This is great news,” said Clarke, whose ranking has slumped to 129th. “I am delighted the US PGA have invited Paul and myself.”

“What a delightful shock,” added McGinley, who was lying joint third at last week’s Open until slipping back with a closing 73.

“The invitation could not have come at a better time because I feel my game is turning round again. It’s a great confidence-booster.”

The PGA of America automatically invites the American team to the event, but any member of the European side not otherwise qualified has to hope for an invitation.

The Open should have seen all 12 Ryder Cup winners re-united, but Jose Maria Olazabal was unable to be at Carnoustie because of a knee injury.

McGinley’s ranking is down at 152nd following his 19th-place finish in Scotland. Clarke missed the cut, but at the previous week’s Scottish Open his 19th place was his best performance of the season.