Marco Penge claims DP World Tour win after betting ban
Marco Penge captured his first DP World Tour win at the Hainan Classic in China. The 26-year-old Englishman, who recently returned from a suspension for breaching betting regulations, secured a three-shot victory with a five-under-par final round of 67.
Penge’s composed performance at Mission Hills saw him finish at 17-under-par, holding off strong challenges from American Sean Crocker and Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan, who both tied for second. Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen followed closely in fourth place. The win also earned Penge a spot in next month’s US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, North Carolina.
Having led overnight, Penge briefly fell behind Crocker at the turn but responded decisively with three consecutive birdies from the 12th hole. His final round, featuring seven birdies and two bogeys, reflected a determined comeback after a difficult period away from competitive golf.
In an Agence France-Presse report, Penge said that the win means the world to him. He was also quoted saying that after his enforced time off, he wanted to really prove to himself and prove to everyone, to show what a player he is.
DP World Tour’s betting suspension
Penge’s triumph comes just months after completing a suspension for betting violations. In December 2023, the DP World Tour imposed a ban and a £2,000 fine on Penge for placing bets on golf tournaments, although he did not wager on events in which he participated or on himself.
The Tour’s regulations prohibit any member from betting on professional or elite amateur events to protect the integrity of the sport. The disciplinary panel noted Penge’s immediate admission and cooperation, which helped reduce the severity of the sanction. His case drew comparisons with similar incidents on the Korn Ferry Tour, highlighting the strict stance taken across professional golf.
According to DP World Tour, the monitoring efforts is enhanced by the partnerships with organisations such as U.S. Integrity. The Tour said the partnership allows for real-time identification of suspicious betting activities. The Tour, however, continues commercial partnerships with betting companies, a situation that has drawn scrutiny from some observers.
Penge’s journey and career progression
Prior to his suspension, Penge had shown promise by progressing through the Challenge Tour in 2023, earning his place on the primary circuit. A 27th-place finish at the Australian Open last year further demonstrated his potential. In the Race to Dubai Rankings, Penge finished 110th, narrowly maintaining his DP World Tour status.
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