Marco Penge, after joining the PGA Tour, struggled to find a golf club in the USA, surprising many except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the breakout stars last season. Finishing second in the Race to Dubai, he not only nearly won the DP World Tour season but also earned his card for the new PGA Tour season. In early January, Penge moved to the USA to fully focus on the American Tour, but the move wasn’t without its challenges. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had a hard time finding a new golf club in the US, and he seemed not to be alone in this struggle.
“I Was Rejected a Few Times”
He now plays at Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels quite comfortable there: “They are a real, family-oriented golf club and very relaxed,” he said. “Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities are great.” But the path there was not as easy as Penge might have expected. “I was rejected a few times.”
Michael Kim commented on this on X, saying: “Most private clubs are very open to hosting pros once or twice but becoming a member is a different story. Usually, we need to know a few non-pro members to start the process. We are better off than a random businessman, but it’s not as easy as some might think. Unless you’re really famous. That’s a different story. And even I don’t count myself among the really famous. The list of players who can just join a golf club is limited to major winners and the very best in the world.”
Marco Penge Looks Forward to the PGA Tour
Despite the difficulties with the golf club, Penge’s excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member is undiminished. “I am really looking forward to playing the next four weeks. Starting here at Torrey Pines and then going to Phoenix, Pebble Beach, and Riviera is a pretty good start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the next four PGA Tour events and begins his season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Though he started with a +3 in the first round, many experts still see good chances for him to make an impression in his first season.
Most private clubs are very open to hosting pros once or twice but becoming a member is a different story.
Usually we need to know a few non pro members to start the process. We are better off than a random sales guy but it’s not as easy as some might think.
Unless you’re REALLY… https://t.co/D7SMfzwvfW— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) January 28, 2026