Marco Penge Wins Spanish Open and Secures a Place in the Masters
In an exciting finish, English golfer Marco Penge won the Spanish Open after defeating his compatriot Daniel Brown in a playoff. This victory earns him a place in the prestigious Masters and the British Open next year. Penge, although he squandered a four-stroke lead, showed his mettle by achieving a birdie on the first playoff hole, securing his third European Tour title so far this year.This edition of the national tournament was special, as for the first time the winner obtained a direct spot for the Masters and The Open. Penge, excited about the opportunity to play in the Masters, commented that he has always wanted to compete on that course, feeling that his game suits it perfectly. After a final round with a 72 (+1), Penge tied with Brown at the top of the leaderboard, both with a total of 15 under par. Brown, celebrating his 31st birthday, rallied from behind with a final-round 67 (-4), despite dealing with a right shoulder injury that required treatment during the round. He forced a playoff with a birdie on the final hole. Penge, 27 years old, adds this title to his victories in the Danish Golf Championship and the Hainan Classic. Joel Girrbach, with a round of 69, placed third with 14 under par. Jon Rahm, the local favorite, who was seeking his fourth title in the Spanish Open, was not in contention at the start of the final round, but closed with a 65 (-6), finishing in ninth place. Shane Lowry, like Rahm, returned to competition after his participation in the Ryder Cup, but failed to make the cut at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.Dan and Joel Girrbach played really well today. They were sinking putts, and I just couldn’t get it in the hole. I felt like I was really up against it. But I felt like I managed myself really well, and in fact I think from tee to green, I feel like I played really solid. Never mind the putts; I think I used them all yesterday, but obviously sinking that one there was worth the wait.
Marco Penge
