Marco Penge sets new course record in Irish Amateur Open

The 17-year-old from Horsham overcame a pulled intercostal muscle – for which he had been receiving physiotherapy and acupuncture – to get round the course in 64 shots during the second day of play.

The Goodwood player ultimately finished the competition 9 under par in joint 4th position, but winner Colm Campbell was particularly struck by Penge’s performance. He said; “64 is a serious round of golf. It’s hard to break 70 here, so to go six better is impressive.” Penge’s round shaved a shot from the year-long record that had been held by previous championship winner Gavin Moynihan.

With Walker Cup Great Britain and Ireland captain Craig Watson watching, Penge is now considered one of the leading contenders for that competition, when the team will face the U.S at Los Angeles Country Club next year. However, Penge is keen to tackle the European Tour Qualifying School this autumn, so is unsure about where the game may take him in 2017.

Penge said; “I didn't realise I had broken the course record until my mum said 'I think you have broken the course record!' This was my first course record and to have achieved this at Royal Dublin is fantastic.”

The young golfer is in action again from 19-21 May when he competes in the French Men’s Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Chantilly Golf Club.