Marco Penge struggles to find a golf club in the USA after moving to the PGA Tour—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 almost won the DP World Tour season and secured a PGA Tour card for the new season. In early January, Penge moved to the USA to fully focus on the American tour, but the relocation did not simplify everything. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had difficulty finding a golf club in the USA and seems not to be alone in this challenge.
“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 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 was not as easy as Penge might have expected. “I was turned down a few times.”
Michael Kim responded to this statement on X, commenting: “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 businessman, but it’s not as easy as some might think. Unless you’re REALLY famous. Then it’s a different matter. And by really famous, Kim doesn’t even include himself. He believes that 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 golf club difficulties, Penge’s excitement about his PGA Tour debut remains high. “I’m really looking forward to playing the next four weeks. Starting here at Torrey Pines and then moving on to Phoenix, Pebble Beach and Riviera is a pretty great start to my life on the PGA Tour.”
Penge is qualified for the PGA Tour events for the next four weeks and kicks off the season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Although his first round ended with a +3, many experts still see good chances for him to make a strong 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