Marco Penge is set to make his debut on the PGA Tour as a fully exempt player.
The Englishman earned his PGA Tour card on the DP World Tour last season and is one of the most exhilarating players in golf. He’s a long-hitting, high-octane player who proved his ability to beat the best in the game by winning the Spanish Open in 2025 and qualifying for The Open and The Masters.
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Penge will grace some of the most iconic venues in golf to start his 2026 season. First, he’s at Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open. Then it’s the WM Phoenix Open, Pebble Beach, and Riviera for a ridiculous tour of the best courses on the planet.
He’s played in PGA Tour events before, but these legendary venues are bound to give Penge a bit of a reality check after playing on the DP World Tour. He said he’s already noticed the increase in difficulty after playing a practice round at Torrey Pines.
Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images
What Marco Penge noticed about Torrey Pines after playing a practice round there
Penge has been out on Torrey Pines early, looking to get accustomed to American courses as quickly as possible. And this tight and narrow test of a golf course has already proven to be a challenge for Penge.
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Speaking to reporters before the tournament, he said, “Yeah, I mean, it’s a little different to what you’re getting in Europe. Two really good golf courses. It’s obviously had some historical events on in the past.
“I feel really privileged to be playing a tournament here. Yeah, I mean, it’s a good test of golf. The fairways are cut pretty tight and the rough’s up. So I’ve lost quite a few golf balls five yards off the fairway already this week, so hopefully the ball spotters will give me a hand.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. Let’s see, I’ve got a good group on Thursday as well so that will be cool.”
Who Marco Penge will play with at the Farmers Insurance Open
Penge is ready for his season opener as a full member of the PGA Tour, and he’s been grouped with some top veteran talent for his opening two rounds.
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The 27-year-old will play alongside six-time PGA Tour winner Tony Finau and the experienced Alex Noren, whom he will be familiar with from the DP World Tour last season.
It’s not shark-infested waters for Penge, who would have been thrust into the spotlight by playing alongside the likes of Brooks Koepka, making his return to the PGA Tour, but it will provide an initial marker to compare himself with.
Penge starts his tournament on Thursday at 1:49 pm local time and his second round at 12:43 pm.
READ MORE: How Tony Romo received a reality check in his first PGA Tour event
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