PGA Tour rookie Marco Penge qualified for the U.S. Open and was all set for his first start. However, a lingering health issue has forced him to change plans ahead of the major.

Penge has struggled to find consistency on the PGA Tour after earning his card through the Race to Dubai Rankings last year. His medical issues also began last year.

“Unfortunately, myself and my team have decided that I am going to have to WD from the US Open Championship, which I'm gutted about,” Penge wrote in an X post.

“My health is the no. 1 priority for now, and until I get to the bottom of the issues, I won't be competing. The plan is to return fully fit,” he added.

Penge’s medical condition worsened after a viral infection at the DP World Tour Championship last November.

Prior to last month’s PGA Championship, Penge underwent an MRI scan of his brain. He revealed that it was an attempt to identify his medical issue.

“I have had numerous scans and seen several specialists, and we are getting close to resolving the issue that I’ve been struggling with for 8 months. I appreciate the continued support as always, and I'll be back soon!" Penge wrote.

Earlier this year, Penge battled a sinus infection and vertigo symptoms, forcing him to withdraw from the Sony Open in Hawaii and the Myrtle Beach Classic. He is now set to miss what would have been his first U.S. Open appearance.

Penge On Adapting To The PGA Tour

Penge is playing his first season on the PGA Tour after earning his card through the Race to Dubai Rankings last year.

“Yeah, I think with the season I had last year, obviously I think there were high expectations of me from the outside world,” Penge said at the Valspar Championship in March.

The 28-year-old had a remarkable season last year, winning three times on the European Tour. However, the American circuit is a different challenge for the rookie.

“It’s slightly different golf from what it is in Europe. The courses are set up slightly harder and you're playing with better players every week. So, yeah, my expectations are pretty low, to be fair,” he added.

Penge has recorded a T4 finish at the Valspar Championship, a T16 at the Genesis Invitational, and a T21 at the Texas Open. However, the rookie has also missed five cuts and struggled to contend consistently in other events.

Penge will look to fully resolve his medical issues and return to competing on the PGA Tour.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav