Marco Penge struggled to find a golf club in the USA after moving to the PGA Tour, surprising many except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the breakout stars of last season. With a second place in the Race to Dubai, he not only almost won the DP World Tour season but also earned his tour card for the new PGA Tour season. In early January, Penge moved to the USA to fully focus on the American tour, but the relocation was not without challenges. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had difficulties finding a new golf club in the USA, and he seems not to be alone in this struggle.
“I was turned down a few times”
Currently, Penge plays at Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: “They are a real family-oriented golf club and very relaxed,” he says. “Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities there are fantastic.” But 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’re better off than a random businessman, but it’s not as easy as some might think. Unless you’re REALLY famous. Then it’s obviously different. And Kim doesn’t even include himself in that. He means the list of players who can simply join a golf club is limited to major winners and the top in the world.”
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
The difficulties with the golf club have not dampened Penge’s excitement about 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 a pretty good start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the PGA Tour events over the next four weeks and begins the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Despite a +3 round in the first round marking a tough start, many experts still see good chances for him to make a strong 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