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 shooting stars last season. Finishing second in the Race to Dubai, he not only nearly 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 move did not make everything easier. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had some difficulties finding a new golf club in the USA, and he is not alone in this struggle.
“I Was Turned Down a Few Times”
Penge now 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 said. “Old Palm and I are a good match, and the facilities there are great.” However, the path to this club was not as easy as Penge probably expected. “I was turned down a few times.”
Michael Kim responded to 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, of course, it’s different. And Kim doesn’t even include himself as really famous. He means that the list of players who can simply join a golf club is limited to major winners and the best in the world.”
Marco Penge Looks Forward to the PGA Tour
Despite the difficulties with the golf club, Penge’s excitement about 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 going 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 will kick off the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Although he started with a +3 in the first round, many experts still see good chances for him to impress 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