Marco Penge Anticipates Playing with Rory McIlroy in Abu Dhabi
Marco Penge is eager to test his game alongside Masters Champion Rory McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for the first time. After securing his tour card in the final event of last season in South Korea, Penge has had an impressive 2025 season.
He became the first three-time winner this year with victories at the Hainan Classic, Danish Golf Championship, and the recent Open de España presented by Madrid. With only two DP World Tour events left, Penge holds second place in the Race to Dubai Rankings, just behind World Number Two McIlroy.
Playing Together at Yas Links
Penge will share the first two rounds at Yas Links with McIlroy and fellow Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton. This is a significant moment for Penge, who has admired McIlroy both as a golfer and a person.
"For me, he (McIlroy) is the best player in my generation of kind of watching golf," Penge said. "He's been so successful, and I think a lot of guys in my age group really look up to him not just as a golfer but as a person."
"Yeah, I compare a lot of parts of my game to him. I am excited to see what I think my strengths are compared to him on Thursday and see where I can improve. I know on Thursday morning when I step on the tee I'm going to have some adrenaline because I'm playing with one of the best players in the world for the first time. I don't think I'm going to be too nervous."
2025 Season Highlights
- Retained DP World Tour card in South Korea last year
- Winner of the Hainan Classic, Danish Golf Championship, and Open de España
- Currently second in the Race to Dubai Rankings
- Set to play with Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton at Yas Links
Author's summary: Marco Penge looks forward to competing alongside Rory McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, aiming to measure his strengths and narrow the gap atop the DP World Tour rankings.