England’s Marco Penge wins first DP World Tour title since betting ban

English golfer Marco Penge won his first DP World Tour title at the Hainan Classic on Sunday 27 April, just two months after returning to the sport after a betting-related ban. 

In December last year, Penge was handed a three-month ban with one month suspended due to ‘breaching the tour’s integrity program’ in relation to bets placed on multiple golf events. It was proven he never bet on events he was involved in. 

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“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” stated a jubilant Penge after shooting a final round score of 67 to win the 2025 Hainan Classic by three shots, his first trophy at this level.

“This obviously means the world to me. It’s something that I’ve always dreamt of achieving – winning on the biggest stage. 

“After my time off, it was the thing that I wanted to really prove to myself and to everyone, to show what a player I am.”

The 26-year-old from Horsham, West Sussex, had been banned for betting on ‘several golf events in 2022.’ He has won two tournaments on the development tour, but that was back in 2023. 

Penge shot four birdies in a five-hole stretch to claim victory at the Blackstone Course at Mission Hills Resort Haikou, Hainan Island, China. He won by three strokes over American Sean Crocker and Dane Kristoffer Reitan. 

“I said to my caddie walking off the green, ‘I feel like I’m swinging it great’,” he said. “I knew if I just stayed patient I’d have a lot of chances.

“My caddie through that time (referring to his ban), has been my rock. And my wife and my whole team – I wouldn’t be where I am without them. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” 

After this win, Penge has also booked his ticket to the US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow after coming third on the tour’s Asian Swing standings. 

It’s clear how much of a family man Marco is. Not only was he helped through his ban by his family, he was also inspired by his son during his final round. 

“We spend a lot of time away from home,” stated Penge. “All of us lads are doing this for our wives, our families, our kids – to be able to say that I’ve won on the DP World Tour, when my son’s a little older and kind of be a hero to him is amazing. 

“I walked to the tee and I watched some videos of him laughing and smiling today and it gave me a bit of that inner strength today.” 

Marco’s amazing turnaround after that betting-related ban is remarkable. He can look forward to his trip to the US PGA Championship with confidence.