Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the US after joining the PGA Tour. A surprise to many except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of last season’s rising stars. Finishing second in the Race to Dubai, he nearly won the DP World Tour season and 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 relocation came with challenges. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had difficulty finding a golf club in the US, and he is not alone.
“I Was Rejected a Few Times”
He now plays at Old Palm Golf Club in Florida, where he feels very comfortable: “They are a genuine, family-oriented golf club and very laid-back,” he said. “Old Palm and I fit well together, and their facilities are fantastic.” However, getting there was not as easy as Penge may have expected. “I was rejected a few times.”
Michael Kim commented on the statement on X, saying: “Most private clubs are very open to hosting pros once or twice, but becoming a member is another 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 obviously different. And Kim doesn’t even count himself among the really famous. He means the list of players who can join clubs easily is limited to Major winners and the top world players.”
Marco Penge Looks Forward to the PGA Tour
Despite the difficulties with the golf club, Penge’s excitement for his PGA Tour debut 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 a pretty good start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the next four weeks of PGA Tour events and begins 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 make an 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