Marco Penge struggled to find a golf club in the USA after moving to the PGA Tour. This came as 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 earned his PGA Tour card for the new season. In early January, Penge relocated to the USA to fully focus on the American tour, but the move wasn’t without challenges. At a press conference ahead of the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had difficulties finding a new golf club in the USA, and he appeared not to be alone.
“I was rejected a few times”
Currently, Penge plays at the Old Palm Golf Club in Florida, where he feels very comfortable: “They are a genuine, 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 getting there wasn’t as easy as Penge might 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 a different story. Usually, we need to know some 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 famous. Then it’s of course different. And by really famous, Kim doesn’t even include himself. He means the list of players who can simply join a golf club is limited to major winners and the best in the world.”
Marco Penge looks forward to PGA Tour
Despite the difficulties with the golf club, his 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 a pretty good start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the PGA Tour events in the next four weeks and kicks off the season at the Farmers Insurance this weekend. Although his start was shaky 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