Marco Penge struggled to find a golf club in the USA after his move to the PGA Tour. A surprise to many except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the breakout stars of last season. Finishing second in the Race to Dubai, he not only nearly won the DP World Tour season but also secured his PGA Tour card for the new season. In early January, Penge moved to the USA to fully focus on the American tour, but the relocation did not simplify everything. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed that he initially had some difficulties finding a new golf club in the USA, and he seems not to be the only one facing this challenge.
“I was turned down a few times”
Nowadays, Penge plays at the Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: “They are a genuine, family-oriented golf club and very relaxed,” he says. “Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities there are great.” However, the path to get there was not as easy as Penge probably expected. “I was turned down a few times.”
Michael Kim commented on this statement 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. Then it’s a different matter. And I don’t even include myself in the really famous category.” He suggests that only major winners and the very best players can easily join golf clubs.
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
The difficulties with the golf club do not diminish Penge’s excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member. “I’m really looking forward to playing the next four weeks. Starting here at Torrey Pines and then heading to Phoenix, Pebble Beach, and Riviera is quite a good start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the upcoming PGA Tour events over the next four weeks and starts the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Despite a +3 in the first round, his start was not ideal, yet 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