Marco Penge DP World Tour Comeback: Eyes Race to Dubai Glory
Marco Penge DP World Tour comeback — English golfer Marco Penge admits he is “in disbelief” as he heads into the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship alongside Rory McIlroy, with a genuine shot at capturing the Race to Dubai crown after starting the season under suspension.
Marco Penge’s Remarkable Rise After Ban
The 27-year-old from Clitheroe has emerged as one of Britain’s brightest golf talents. Earlier this year, Penge served a three-month suspension for breaching betting rules — though an independent panel confirmed that his wagers did not compromise the integrity of any tournament.
Following the setback, Penge rebounded spectacularly with three DP World Tour victories, including the Open de España, which earned him a Masters 2026 debut and full PGA Tour card for next season.
“To finish top 50 was my goal after being suspended,” Penge told BBC Sport. “Then I won in China, and everything changed. I’ve reset my goals four or five times this year.”
Rivalry With Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton
Penge currently sits fewer than 500 points behind Rory McIlroy in the Race to Dubai standings, with Tyrrell Hatton in third place. The trio will headline the field at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the penultimate event before next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
“Rory is the best player of my generation and someone my game is similar to,” Penge said. “I’m a great driver of the ball and hit it far. Playing with him gives me a chance to see where I can improve.”
From Suspension to Contention
Penge admits the turnaround feels surreal. “I still can’t believe I’m in this position,” he said. “Not because I don’t think I’m good enough, but because of how quickly it’s all happened.”
His consistency and resilience have placed him among Europe’s elite, setting up a potential showdown with McIlroy for the season-long title. “I look at it from a learning standpoint,” he explained. “If I go out trying to be too intense, it’ll just build pressure. I want to enjoy the experience and stay calm.”
Focus on the Middle East Swing
The next two weeks — in Abu Dhabi and Dubai — will decide the winner of the DP World Tour Order of Merit. For Penge, who narrowly kept his tour card last season, the chance to win golf’s biggest European honour marks one of sport’s most inspiring comeback stories.
“It’s been an incredible year,” he said. “From the disappointment of a ban to competing for the Race to Dubai, it’s a dream I’ll never take for granted.”
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