England’s Marco Penge expressed his excitement about being paired with Masters champion Rory McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The event marks Penge’s first time competing alongside the Northern Irish golfer in a professional setting.
The Englishman has enjoyed a stellar season after returning from suspension due to a betting breach. His comeback included a victory at the Hainan Classic in April, followed by wins in Denmark and Spain, securing his rise in the Race to Dubai rankings.
Rumors circulated that Penge was under consideration for one of Luke Donald’s six captain’s picks for the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup. Now, he is among seventy players participating in the opening leg of the play‑offs at the Abu Dhabi tournament.
This week, Penge will tee off in the first two rounds of the Rolex Series event with McIlroy, 36, and Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton. Ahead of the competition, Penge shared his anticipation and respect for his pairing during a pre‑tournament press conference.
“I’m playing with one of the best players in the world for the first time,”
he said, adding that while he doesn’t expect to feel nervous, the adrenaline will certainly be flowing.
Marco Penge eagerly anticipates his first tournament pairing with Rory McIlroy, capping an impressive comeback season with determination and confidence.