Rory McIlroy pipped to golf award by Marco Penge

Marco Penge has been voted the DP World Tour's player of the year. 

The Englishman enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025 which saw him record three wins and move inside the top 30 of the OWGR. 

Penge, 27, also finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy in the Race to Dubai rankings. 

His success saw him earn his very first PGA Tour card. 

The award, named after the late, great, Seve Ballesteros, is voted for by the DP World Tour membership. 

Penge said: "I feel incredibly honoured to have won this prestigious award. 

"I had a great season last year on the DP World Tour, but to have that recognised by my fellow competitors really means a lot. 

"I want to say a big thank you to all of them.
 
"To go from fighting to keep my card to winning an award that carries Seve's name in the space of a year is something I'm incredibly proud of, and I’m grateful to my team for their support - it gives me huge confidence and motivation to keep pushing for more this season."

Seve's son, Javier Ballesteros, added: "I first met Marco many years ago in southern Spain when he was playing on the mini tours. 

"From those early days, he progressed through the HotelPlanner Tour and went on to enjoy significant success on the DP World Tour, including three victories during the 2025 season, which truly showcased his talent and determination, before earning the opportunity to compete on the PGA Tour. 

"That journey is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Seve Ballesteros award.
 
"I have always admired people who commit themselves fully and succeed both in golf and in life - something my father instilled in us from a young age. 

"My siblings and I are absolutely delighted for Marco and send him our warmest congratulations."

 
Guy Kinnings, chief executive of the DP World Tour, added: "Marco enjoyed a truly impressive 2025 season, which did not escape the attention of his peers, and we congratulate him as he becomes the latest winner of the Seve Ballesteros award.
 
"Marco's breakthrough DP World Tour season – highlighted by three victories but also a demonstration of consistency throughout – saw him climb from outside the top 400 in the Official World Golf Ranking into the top 30, and we look forward to seeing what he achieves next."

Penge was made to wait to make his first start of 2025 as he was serving a suspension for placing bets on multiple events. 

He never bet on himself or in any tournaments he was participating in. 

In December 2024, the DPWT suspended Penge for three months and fined him £2,000. 

When he returned, it did not take him long to register his first win. 

In April, he won the Hainan Classic and followed it with victory at the Danish Golf Championship four months later. 

The biggest victory of his career came last October when he won the Spanish Open. 

Penge's win in Madrid also secured his place in both The Masters and The Open this year.