Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the USA after joining the PGA Tour. A surprise to many, but not to Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the breakout stars of last season. With a second place finish in the Race to Dubai, he almost won the DP World Tour season and also secured 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 move didn’t come without challenges. At a press conference ahead of the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had difficulties finding a new golf club in the USA, and he is seemingly not alone.
“I got rejected a few times”
Currently, Penge plays at Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: “They are a genuine, family-oriented golf club and very relaxed,” he said. “Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities are excellent.” However, the path to get there wasn’t as simple as Penge might have imagined. “I got rejected 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, of course, different. And I don’t even include myself in that truly famous category. The list of players who can simply join a golf club is usually limited to major winners and the top players in the world.”
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
The difficulties with the golf club do not dampen his excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member. “I am very excited to play 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 next four PGA Tour events and starts the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Although he struggled with a +3 in the first round, many experts still see good chances for him to make an impression in his rookie 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