As he looks to finish off a remarkable rise this year, Marco Penge went toe-to-toe with Rory McIlroy in a big-hitting pairing at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – and more than held his own.
Penge is making his debut in ther DP World Tour playoffs but is McIlroy’s closest challenger for the Race To Dubai title, so had all eyes on him playing alongside the Grand Slam champion in the opening round.
As well as the big hitting though, Penge handled the occasion brilliantly, in his first real taste of being in the spotlight alongside probably the biggest name in the sport.
The Englishman even managed to beat playing partner and one of his golfing idols by a shot – carding a five-under round of 67 to McIlroy’s 68.
“It was great,” said Penge after the round. “I mean, obviously what I think of my game compared to obviously playing with him today, probably keep to myself, but it was good. It was good.
“Rory maybe wasn’t firing on all cylinders, but yeah, it was cool to play with like a Grand Slam winner and a legend of European golf, world golf. Nice to have a chat, also, on the way around.”
McIlroy, who said 68 was the worst he could have shot after missing a number of birdie putts, was impressed with what he saw from Penge.
“He’s a flusher,” said McIlroy. “He’s got a great ball flight. Obviously drives the ball really, really well. Yeah, he’s a really, really strong player.”
Penge v McIlroy in long drive clinic
(Image credit: Getty Images)
McIlroy is using a new TyalorMade driver in Abu Dhabi, and had a “positive” round wielding the new big dog for the first time.
“I felt like the driver was good. Obviously a new driver in the bag this week. Felt like that worked well.”
And the numbers certainly back that up, with McIlroy averaging 334 yards off the tee with his driver, which saw him outdo Penge who averaged 329.
Penge took the long drive…
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