Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the US after his move to the PGA Tour. A surprise to many, except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of last season’s rising stars. With a second place finish in the Race to Dubai, he nearly won the DP World Tour season and also earned his 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 did not make everything easier. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed that he initially had some difficulty finding a new golf club in the US and seems not to be the only one struggling.
\”I was rejected 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 says. \”Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities there are great.\” But the path to get there was not as easy as Penge probably expected. \”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 businessperson, but it’s not as easy as some might think. Unless you’re really famous. Then it’s a different matter. And Kim does not even include himself in that. He means that the list of players who can easily join a golf club includes only 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 excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member remains undiminished. \”I’m very excited to play the next four weeks. Starting here at Torrey Pines and then moving 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 kicks off the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. With a +3 in the first round, his start was not ideal, yet many experts still see good chances for him 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