Marco Penge struggled to find a golf club in the USA after moving to the PGA Tour. Many were surprised, except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the rising stars last season. Finishing second in the Race to Dubai, he nearly won the DP World Tour season and secured his PGA Tour card for the upcoming 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 shared that he initially had difficulties finding a new golf club in the USA, and it seems he was not alone in this struggle.
“I was turned down a few times”
Currently, 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 excellent.” 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 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 as really famous. The list of players who can just join a golf club typically only includes major winners and the best in the world.”
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
Despite the difficulties with finding a golf club, Penge’s excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member remains undiminished. “I’m really looking forward to playing the next four weeks. Starting here at Torrey Pines and then moving on to Phoenix, Pebble Beach, and Riviera is quite a good start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the PGA Tour events in the next four weeks and starts the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Despite a +3 in the first round, which was a rough start, many experts still believe he has a good chance to make a strong 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