Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the US after moving to the PGA Tour, a surprise to many except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the breakout stars of last season. With a 2nd place finish in the Race to Dubai, he nearly won the DP World Tour season and also earned his tour card for the new PGA Tour season. In early January, Penge moved to the US to fully focus on the American tour, but the move didn’t make everything easier. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had difficulties finding a new golf club in the US and seems not to be the only one facing this challenge.
“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 genuine, family-oriented golf club and very relaxed,” he said. “Old Palm and I are a good fit, and the facilities there are fantastic.” However, the path to get there wasn’t as easy as Penge might have 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 story. And Kim doesn’t even count himself among those really famous. He means the list of players who can simply join a golf club is limited to major winners and the very best in the world.”
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
The difficulties with the golf club have not dampened his excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member. “I’m very excited to play the next four weeks. Starting here at Torrey Pines and then going to Phoenix, Pebble Beach, and Riviera is a pretty great start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the PGA Tour events over the next four weeks and kicks off the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Although he had a rough start with a +3 in the first round, many experts still see him with good chances 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