Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the USA after moving to the PGA Tour. Many were surprised except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the rising stars last season. By finishing second 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 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 seems not to be the only one facing this challenge.
\”I was rejected a few times\”
Currently, Penge plays at the Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: \”They are a genuine, family-oriented golf club and super relaxed,\” he says. \”Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities there are great.\” But the path to getting there was not as easy as Penge probably 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. That’s of course a different matter. And even I don’t count myself as really famous. 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
Despite the difficulties with the golf club, Penge’s enthusiasm for 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 heading 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 kicks off his season at the Farmers Insurance Open this weekend. Although he began with a +3 in the first round, many experts still expect him 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