Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the USA after his move to the PGA Tour. A surprise to many, but not to Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the breakout stars last season. Finishing second 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 did not come without challenges. 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 he seems not to be alone in this struggle.
\”I Was Turned Down a Few Times\”
Penge now plays at Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: \”They are a real, family-oriented golf club and very relaxed,\” he says. \”Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities are great.\” However, the path to this club was not as easy as Penge might have expected. \”I was turned down a few times.\”
Michael Kim commented on Penge’s 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’re 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 even I don’t consider myself that famous. The list of players who can just join a golf club easily is usually limited to major winners and the very best in the world.\”
Marco Penge Looks Forward to the PGA Tour
The difficulties with the golf club do not dampen Penge’s excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member. \”I am 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 will start his season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Although his first round was a +3 and not ideal, 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