Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the USA after joining 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 earned 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 make everything easier. 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 Several Times\”
Currently, Penge plays at Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: \”They are a true 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 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 a different matter. And Kim does not even count himself among the really famous. He means that the list of players who can easily join a golf club is limited to major winners and the world’s best.\”
Marco Penge Looks Forward to the PGA Tour
Despite these difficulties with the golf club, it does 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 going 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 over the next four weeks and begins the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. With a +3 in the first round, his start was not ideal, but many experts still credit him with a good chance 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