Marco Penge is one of the fastest-rising stars in golf, and is set to make his PGA Tour debut in 2026.
His high-octane, long-driving style has seen him compared to Rory McIlroy during his rise to the PGA Tour, and that skill set helped Marco Penge win the Spanish Open and secure a spot at The Masters and The Open Championship next year.
Penge and McIlroy are set to be grouped together for the first time this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, in what is sure to be a must-see matchup. Penge has his eyes set on McIlroy in the Race to Dubai standings, so this group is as important as it is intriguing.
Prior to the Abu Dhabi Championship, McIlroy explained what’s been so impressive about Penge this season, and also said whether he thinks the Englishman can outdrive him this week.
Rory McIlroy says if Marco Penge can outdrive him in Abu Dhabi
Penge raised eyebrows with his driving at The Open Championship, when he hit a 186 mph drive at Royal Portrush.
But now he’s grouped with one of the sports’ longest hitters, and it will take an incredible driving display to be longer than McIlroy. Despite that, he predicted a battle between the pair for who can hit the longest drives.
McIlroy was then asked whether Penge is a longer hitter than him, to which he replied, “I don’t know. He should be longer. He’s nine years younger than me.”
McIlroy may be 36, but according to Data Golf, he still ranks in the top 3% of players in strokes gained with distance off the tee.
He went on to explain what’s so impressive about Penge’s game. McIlroy said, “He’s sort of that modern golfer, hits it long, and seems to not really have a ton of weaknesses.
“Yeah, looking forward to seeing his game over the next couple days, and you know, with how this course sets up and how firm the fairways are, I think you’re going to see a few long drives out there.”
Rory McIlroy says why Marco Penge reminds him of himself
McIlroy, who Penge is chasing down in the Race to Dubai standings, has been on this journey himself. When he was coming up in the sport in the late 2000s, he battled Lee Westwood in the very same competition, finishing second in 2009.
McIlroy explained why Penge’s journey reminds him on his own: “Look, I remember my first time challenging for The Race to Dubai back in ’09 against Westwood. I love that.
“He’s hungry. He’s going to be motivated. Yeah, I’m excited to get out there with him these next couple of days.”
It’s been a galvanizing factor for him in a year where McIlroy has struggled for motivation after winning the Career Grand Slam.
McIlroy explained how Penge is forcing him to remain on the top of his game: “I like that I’m having to lock in for these two events. And with how many points that are available here and feedback, yes, it’s Marco that’s right behind me, but there’s a few others that have a chance, as well.
“I know I’m going to have to play well these next couple of weeks but I’ve got good records here and next week at the Earth Course as well. I know if I play the way that I know that I can, hopefully everything will work out the right way.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m looking forward to feeling that again and trying to win another one.”
McIlroy hopes to fend off Penge, among others, to win his seventh Harry Vardon Trophy, and his fourth in a row.
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