Marco Penge’s whirlwind start to life in America continued after a second-round 64 at Riviera took him to the top of the leaderboard in the second Signature Event of the PGA Tour season.
The Englishman, who missed the cut at his first two tournaments of the season, appears to have found his A-game at the Genesis Invitational after enduring a tough start to the year both on and off the course.
The 27-year-old secured dual DP World and PGA Tour membership last year, after which he decided to up sticks and make Florida his base.
Despite being the dream move and getting to compete against players he has idolized, the 4,500-mile relocation has presented a few challenges for his family.
“It’s been quite tough, to be fair, the last four weeks for me and my family,” admitted Penge.
“She’s been in the US on her own, heavily pregnant, looking after a one-and-a-half year old at the same time with no family or friends around.
“It’s been like a bit of a gamble of me just kind of going to compete and leaving her on her own.
“But she’s so supportive and I’m so lucky to have her, and we’re both really excited to have another child in a week’s time.”
Few would have predicted Penge to rediscover his form quite so quickly after two missed cuts and a T64 finish at last week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, especially when it was revealed that he had been struggling with a virus and a slight neck injury at the start of the year.
However, with rounds of 66 and 64 at Riviera, Penge now finds himself in a tie for the lead at the halfway stage and in contention for a first PGA Tour title.
Penge says he has been getting used to hitting more full wedge shots in America
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Asked what had worked so well after the first 36 holes, Penge said his driving had been the best part of his game so far, as well as his putting.
“I had a chat with my putting coach, Phil Kenyon. He come up to me on Wednesday and kind of gave me a bit of a pep talk,” said Penge.
“I’ve been in my own way on the greens, so he kind of put his arm around me and told me what I need to focus on.”
Forgetting the “technical stuff” has definitely paid off so far, and Penge is starting to feel more accustomed to the different conditions in America.
Penge signed with PXG ahead of the 2026…
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