Marco Penge struggled to find a golf club in the US after joining 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 nearly won the DP World Tour season and also secured his PGA Tour card for the new season. In early January, Penge moved to the US to fully focus on the American tour, but the transition was not without challenges. At a press conference before the Farmers Insurance Open, Penge shared that he initially had some difficulty finding a new golf club in the United States and apparently is not 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 genuine, family-oriented golf club and super relaxed,\” he said. \”Old Palm and I fit well together, and the facilities there are great.\” However, the path to get there was not as easy as Penge probably expected. \”I was turned down a few times.\”
Michael Kim commented on this situation 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 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 include myself among the really famous. The list of players who can just join a golf club is limited to major winners and the very best in the world.\”
Marco Penge looks forward to the PGA Tour
Despite the challenges with the golf club, Penge remains excited about his debut as a PGA Tour member. \”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 his season this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open. Although he had a rough start with a +3 in the first round, many experts still see good chances for 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