Marco Penge struggled to find a golf club in the USA after joining the PGA Tour. This surprised many except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the rising stars last season. With a second place in the Race to Dubai, he nearly won the DP World Tour season and secured his PGA Tour card for the new season. In early January, Penge moved to the USA to fully focus on the American Tour, but the move was not entirely smooth. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had difficulty finding a golf club in the USA, and he is not alone in this challenge.
“I was rejected a few times”
Currently, Penge 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 are a good match, and the facilities there are great.” However, the path to this club was not as easy as Penge likely expected. “I was rejected a few times.”
Michael Kim commented on X: “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, of course, it’s different. And I don’t even count myself as that. The list of players who can simply join a golf club includes only major winners and the best in the world.”
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
Despite the difficulties with the golf club, Penge’s enthusiasm for his debut as a PGA Tour member remains high. “I am very excited to play 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 over the next four weeks and begins this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Although his start with a +3 in the first round was not ideal, many experts still expect him to make a strong impression in his rookie 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