Marco Penge has answered the million-dollar question about his future. The backstage comments at the DP World Tour were that today’s winner of the Open de España and triple champion of the European Circuit was being tempted by LIV Golf for next year. Not only was he tempted, but several different sources were certain of his departure. Well, he made it clear this afternoon in Madrid next to the trophy: “Tomorrow I travel to the USA with my wife to look for a house; we’re moving in January. As far as I know, next year I’ll be playing the PGA Tour. I want to have a great season, make the playoffs, and return to Europe to play more tournaments. I love competing, measuring myself against the best, and playing National Opens like this,” he assured.
The truth is that his appearance after winning was very interesting. He addressed many topics:
– Complications with a happy ending (playoff)… “I won by starting and finishing well. I knew they would push me with birdies; it’s more enjoyable to win in a playoff. Very happy to have finished it off”.
Opinion of the course… “This year, with the game I have, it seems fantastic: it tests everything—tee shots, irons, around the green, and putting—with small, undulating, and fast greens. It doesn’t favour a specific profile and, although it doesn’t particularly suit my long-hitter style, I loved it and enjoyed it”.
Memories of the week… “Incredible organisation, food, and crowd. I felt almost at home. Qualification for the Masters and victory in a historic National Open: seeing my name on that trophy is unforgettable”.
World Ranking (OWGR). Enters the top 50, but after winning three tournaments… “I don’t get into the details of the system. I’m a competitor: I like to play and challenge myself. If I enter the top-30 by doing it on the DP World Tour, with fewer points, it seems impressive to me”.
Reaction to Daniel Brown’s birdie to force the playoff… “It was a tough day; I felt that “the golf gods” would make it difficult. I kept calm and stuck to the plan. I alternated between advantages and approaches from others, but managed the situation well and I’m proud”.
The Open and Masters… “Royal Birkdale is an hour from home; excited to play an Open “at home”. The Masters is a childhood dream; being able to experience it with my son in the Par 3 Contest will be incredible”.
LIV rumours / Plan for 2026… “Tomorrow I travel to the USA with my wife to look for a house; we’re moving in January. My plan is to play the PGA Tour, try to make the playoffs, and return to Europe to play more tournaments. I want to measure myself against the best and compete in National Opens”.
Spanish references… “Seve was incredible and my style sometimes resembles his on courses like this. I compare myself more to Rahm by generation. I admire several Spaniards; Spain breathes sport and passion”.
