Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the USA after joining the PGA Tour. A surprise for many, except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the rising stars last season. With a second place finish in the Race to Dubai, he not only almost won the DP World Tour season but also earned 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 hasn’t made everything easier. At a press conference ahead of 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.
“I was turned down 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 very relaxed,” he says. “Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities are great.” However, the path wasn’t as easy 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’re better off than a random businessman, but it’s not as easy as some might think. Unless you’re REALLY famous. Then, of course, it’s a different story. And Kim doesn’t even count himself as really famous. He means that the list of players who can simply join a golf club mostly includes major winners and the very best in the world.”
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
Despite the challenges with the golf club, Penge’s excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member remains high. “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 quite a good start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the PGA Tour events over the next four weeks 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 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