McGinley and Clarke invited to play US PGA Championship

ALVESLOHE, Germany, July 25 (Reuters) Ireland's Paul McGinley and Northern Irishman Darren Clarke on Wednesday received late invitations to play in next month's US PGA Championship at Southern Hills, Tulsa.

McGinley, who said it was ''a delightful shock'', is playing in the Players Championship of Europe at Gut Kaden which starts tomorrow.

The Ryder Cup player was just concentrating on trying to follow up on his brief lead in the British Open last week at Carnoustie when told the good news.

''The invitation could not have come at a better time because I feel my game is turning round again and this is another confidence-booster,'' McGinley told reporters.

''I played really well last week, much better than my 19th place suggests.'' Clarke, through his management company, said: ''I'm delighted the US PGA have invited Paul and myself. This now means all last year's Ryder Cup team, as well as the American side, will be reunited.'' Reuters BJR GC1917