Marco Penge eager for more DP World Tour glory in Türkiye

Marco Penge admits his status as a DP World Tour winner has increased his drive for success as he adjusts to the prospect of taking his career to new heights.

The Englishman realised a lifelong dream by winning his first title on golf’s Global Tour at the inaugural Hainan Classic and now returns to action at the earliest opportunity for this week’s Turkish Airlines Open.

His victory in China last month saw him finish third on the Asian Swing Rankings, earning him a debut appearance at the US PGA Championship - one of two guaranteed Major starts this season - from May 15-18.

Rather than finetune his preparations for the second Major Championship of the year at Quail Hollow Club, Penge was eager to build on his newfound confidence by testing himself again in a competitive environment.

“I think a lot of people would tend to take time off before a Major, or after wins, but I wanted to make sure I came here to prep and to try and get back-to-back wins, that would be pretty cool,” he said ahead of the opening event of the European Swing.

“I think when you win, your expectations change quite a lot, in a good way, but you have to manage it as well.

“So, my goals have changed a little bit, but I'm just really excited to play for the rest of the year, you know, playing in the US PGA next week and playing in The Open later in the year, all the Rolex Series events, it’s going to be the first time for me, so it's going to be cool."

I wanted to make sure I came here to prep and to try and get back-to-back wins, that would be pretty cool

A graduate of the HotelPlanner Tour in 2023, his burgeoning reputation as an emerging talent has long been touted but his progress was halted by an enforced break earlier this season.

On his return to action in Kenya in February, he recorded the first of three top 20s in succession, before he concluded the Asian Swing with a breakthrough title.

"After a bit of time off, I had some goals," he said. "One of them was to come back strong.

"So, you know, I spent a lot of time on my team making sure we did everything we could to achieve what I've done so far."

After six years away, the DP World Tour is returning to Türkiye for the eighth edition of the Turkish Airlines Open.

While this event is another case of unchartered territory for Penge, he is full of praise for the set-up at host venue Regnum Carya.

“It’s actually my first time in Türkiye and it's awesome," he said.

“The resorts, the golf course, it's in such good condition, the weather's awesome. We are spoiled this week and it's definitely one of my favourites so far. The Tour have done a great job getting back here."