Marco Penge announces break from from golf after difficult PGA Championship week

England's Marco Penge says he is taking some time away from the sport to focus on his health. 

The 27-year-old announced himself on the world stage in 2025, winning three times on the DP World Tour to secure his playing privileges in the United States. 

But Penge's maiden PGA Tour season has been disrupted by a viral illness that first surfaced days before the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last November when he was battling Rory McIlroy for the Race to Dubai title.  

The issue has seen him withdraw from two PGA Tour events this season (Sony Open, Myrtle Beach Classic) and, at times, struggle to find consistency. 

"Moving forward, I have decided that I am going to take some time off to get my health back to where it needs to be," Penge wrote on social media after missing the cut at the 2026 PGA Championship. 

Penge recorded rounds of 75 and 77 at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania to finish on a 36-hole total of 12-over. "Thank you for your support as always," he added. "I'll be back soon!"

Despite the health issues, there have been some encouraging signs for Penge this season. 

He missed back-to-back cuts at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open, but responded with a promising share of fourth place at the Valspar Championship. 

Penge made the cut on his first outing to Augusta National at the 2026 Masters and came into the PGA Championship as a trendy pick for the Wanamaker Trophy as it was believed Aronimink would suit the game's longest hitters. 

But Aronimink humbled the bombers, with England's Aaron Rai producing a disciplined final-round performance to win by three strokes from Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley. 

Penge had shared a further update about his health battle on the eve of the major, explaining that he had an MRI scan after suffering recurring issues involving his ear, neck and nervous system. 

He also said he had vertigo symptoms. 

But he did not reveal any plans for an extended break. 

Penge will be hoping to get back on the fairways as soon as possible. 

In 2025, he emerged as one of British golf's hottest male prospects with three wins on the DP World Tour. 

His original goal for the season was simply to make the season-ending play-off events but there was chatter Luke Donald could include him in the European Ryder Cup squad.

Donald ultimately decided against selecting Penge as one of his six captain's picks. 

Penge's victories arrived at the Hainan Classic, Danish Golf Championship and Open de Espana. 

He had begun the 2025 season being suspended by the DP World Tour for breaching rules by betting on multiple events. 

Penge never bet on himself or tournaments he was participating in, but the Tour's disciplinary panel handed him a two-month ban and fined him £2,000.