Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley have received late invitations to play in the US PGA Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, next month.
The Ulsterman and the Dubliner both expressed their delight at being included in the final Major of the season, after believing they might miss out.
“This is great news,” said Clarke, a veteran of five Ryder Cup contests. “I am delighted the US PGA has invited Paul and myself. It now means that all last year’s Ryder Cup team, as well as the American side, will be re-united at Southern Hills.”
“What a delightful shock,” added McGinley, who clinched the famous gold Ryder Cup trophy for Europe and captain Sam Torrance in 2002 at The Belfry when he holed out on 18 to halve his match with Jim Furyk.
“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,” said the Irishman, who finished tied 19th at The Open Championship at Carnoustie and is currently 77th on The European Tour Order of Merit.
The US PGA automatically invites the American team, but the ruling does not include members of the European side.
