Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the USA after his move to the PGA Tour. Not a surprise for Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of last season’s rising stars. With a 2nd place finish in the Race to Dubai, he nearly won the DP World Tour season and secured his tour card for the new PGA Tour season. In early January, Penge moved to the USA 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 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”
Penge now plays at Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: “They are a true, family-oriented golf club and very relaxed,” he said. “Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities there are great.” However, the path to get there was not as simple as Penge probably 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 I don’t even include myself in the really famous category. The list of players who can simply join a golf club consists only of major winners and the world’s best.”
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 is undiminished. “I am very much 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 has qualified for the PGA Tour events over the next four weeks and begins the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Though he started with a +3 in the first round, many experts still believe he has a good chance 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