Marco Penge struggled to find a golf club in the USA after his move to the PGA Tour. This came as a surprise to many, except Michael Kim.
Marco Penge was one of the breakout stars last season. By finishing second in the Race to Dubai, he nearly won the DP World Tour season and 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 relocation was not without challenges. At a press conference ahead of the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge revealed he initially had some difficulty securing a new golf club in the USA, and he was not alone in this struggle.
‘I was turned down a few times’
Currently, Penge plays at Old Palm Golf Club in Florida and feels very comfortable there: ‘They are a true family-oriented golf club and very relaxed,’ he says. ‘Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities there are great.’ However, the path wasn’t as smooth as Penge likely expected. ‘I was turned down a few times.’
Michael Kim commented on this on X, stating: ‘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 famous. Then it’s a different story. And by really famous, I don’t even include myself. The list of players who can just join a golf club is pretty much limited to major winners and the very top of the world.’
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
Despite the difficulties with the golf club, Penge’s excitement for his debut as a PGA Tour member remains undiminished. ‘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 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 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