Marco Penge Wins Spanish Open and Secures a Place in the Masters
English golfer Marco Penge won the Spanish Open after defeating his compatriot Daniel Brown in an exciting playoff. This victory earns him a place in the prestigious Masters and the Open Championship next year. Penge, despite losing a four-stroke lead, showed his mettle by achieving a birdie on the first playoff hole, securing his third title on the European tour this year.This edition of the national tournament was special, as for the first time the winner secured an automatic spot in the Masters and The Open.“Dan and Joel Girrbach played incredibly today. They were sinking putts, and I just couldn’t get it in the hole. I felt like I was really up against it,” commented Penge. “But I think I handled myself very well, and from tee to green, I feel like I played very solid. Never mind the putts; I think I used them all yesterday, but obviously sinking that one was worth the wait.”
Marco Penge
Penge, who shot a 72 (+1) on Sunday, finished tied with Brown at 15-under par for the tournament. Brown, who turned 31 on Saturday, rallied from five strokes back with a final round of 67 (-4), despite suffering a right shoulder ailment that required treatment during the last nine holes. He managed to force a playoff with a birdie on the final hole. Penge, 27 years old, also secured victories at the Danish Golf Championship and the Hainan Classic. Joel Girrbach (69) started the day four strokes off the lead and finished in third place with 14 under par in the tournament. The local favorite, Jon Rahm, who was seeking his fourth title at the Spanish Open, was not in contention at the start of the final round, but closed with a 65 (-6) to finish in a tie for ninth place. Shane Lowry, who like Rahm was returning to action after helping Europe win the Ryder Cup last month, did not make the cut.“It’s crazy,” Penge said about the opportunity to play in the Masters. “It’s a golf course I’ve always wanted to play, because I feel like my game suits it very well.”
Marco Penge
