Marco Penge: Admiring Rory McIlroy on and off the Course
Marco Penge, 27-year-old English golfer, is set to play alongside Rory McIlroy for the first time at this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links. The opportunity excites Penge, who has had an excellent season on the DP World Tour.
“I actually did ask him in Ireland a couple of months ago to get a practice round at some point but haven't crossed paths and timing's not worked out,” said Penge.
Penge considers McIlroy the finest player of his generation and a role model beyond golf.
“For me, he's the best player in my generation of kind of watching golf. He's been so successful, and I think a lot of guys in my age group really look up to him not just as a golfer but as a person.”
He frequently compares parts of his own game to McIlroy’s and looks forward to measuring himself against Rory’s strengths during their upcoming round.
“I compare a lot of parts of my game to him. I am excited to see what I think my strengths are compared to him on Thursday and see where I can improve.”
From Struggles to Success
Last season, Penge barely kept his tour card, finishing 110th in the Race to Dubai. Following that, he faced a three-month ban due to betting on golf. However, this season marks a remarkable turnaround.
- Won three DP World Tour events: Hainan Classic, Danish Golf Championship, and Spanish Open
- Raised his ranking to 29th in the world
- Currently second in the Race to Dubai, only 500 points behind McIlroy
Looking Ahead
Penge’s impressive rise showcases his growing skill and determination. Playing alongside McIlroy offers a key moment for him to gauge his development and future potential on the tour.
Author’s summary: Marco Penge’s breakthrough season highlights his admiration for Rory McIlroy as a player and person, reflecting both his rapid progress and aspirations in golf.