Marco Penge Anticipates Big-Hitting Showdown with Rory McIlroy in Abu Dhabi
Marco Penge is eager to challenge Rory McIlroy for the top spot in the Race to Dubai at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship held at Yas Links. The 27-year-old Englishman has rapidly risen in golf since retaining his card at last season's final event.
Despite a three-month suspension by the DP World Tour in December for betting on golf tournaments (he never bet on himself or events he took part in), Penge has had a remarkable 2025 season. He won the Hainan Classic, Danish Golf Championship, and recently the Open de España, earning one of ten coveted PGA Tour cards.
Entering the week second in the rankings just behind Masters champion McIlroy, Penge is motivated to close the gap. McIlroy aims to secure his seventh Harry Vardon Trophy as European number one at the upcoming DP World Tour Championship.
“Obviously my goal once I didn't qualify for the Ryder Cup— I think I played Irish Open, and I thought, now my goal is to catch Rory,” Penge said. “That goal is kind of over in a way, but now that I've won in Spain and got me back in the mix, I'm trying to win this week or next week or just play as good as I can and see where that ends up.”
McIlroy, 36, is one of Penge's golfing idols. Having never played alongside the Holywood star before, Penge, ranked 29th in the world, looks forward to comparing their games firsthand.
Key Achievements of Marco Penge in 2025
- Victory at the Hainan Classic
- Winner of the Danish Golf Championship
- Champion at the Open de España
- Secured a PGA Tour card
Current Race to Dubai Standings
- 1st: Rory McIlroy (Masters Champion)
- 2nd: Marco Penge
Author's summary: Marco Penge's impressive climb in 2025 sets the stage for an intense contest with Rory McIlroy at Abu Dhabi, highlighting his determination to become Europe's top golfer.
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