Marco Penge struggled to find a golf club in the USA after switching to the PGA Tour, surprising many except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the rising stars last season. Finishing 2nd in the Race to Dubai, he not only nearly won the DP World Tour season but also secured 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 simplify everything. 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 seems not to be alone in facing this challenge.
“I was rejected a few times”
Now, Penge plays at the Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: “They are a true, family-oriented golf club and super relaxed,” he says. “Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities are great.” However, the path to get there wasn’t as easy as Penge had likely imagined. “I was 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 a different matter. And with really famous, Kim does not even include himself. He means 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, his enthusiasm for his debut as a PGA Tour member remains high. “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 quite a good start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the upcoming PGA Tour events over the next four weeks and will start the season at the Farmers Insurance this weekend. Although he started with a +3 in the first round, many experts still believe he has good chances 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