Marco Penge: Guys in my age group look up to Rory McIlroy not just as a golfer but as a person

Penge has enjoyed a superb season on the DP World Tour, winning three events. He is second in the race to Dubai, 500 points behind McIlroy. 

Marco Penge has risen to 29th in the world rankings. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Marco Penge will play in a group with Rory McIlroy for the first time at this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links. It's a thought which excites the 27-year-old Englishman who has enjoyed a superb season on the DP World Tour.

"I actually did ask him in Ireland a couple of months ago to get a practice round at some point but haven't crossed paths and timing's not worked out," said Penge.

"For me, he's the best player in my generation of kind of watching golf. He's been so successful, and I think a lot of guys in my age group really look up to him not just as a golfer but as a person.

"I compare a lot of parts of my game to him. I am excited to see what I think my strengths are compared to him on Thursday and see where I can improve."

Last season, Penge just barely managed to retain his tour card as he finished 110th in the Race to Dubai rankings. 10 weeks later, he received a three-month ban for betting on golf.

This season has seen a remarkable rise in his form. He's won three events: the Hainan Classic, the Danish Golf Championship, and the Spanish Open. Now ranked 29th in the world, Penge is second in the Race to Dubai, just 500 points behind McIlroy. 

"I know on Thursday morning when I step on the tee I'm going to have some adrenaline because I'm playing with one of the best players in the world for the first time," said Penge.

"I don't think I'm going to be too nervous. It's purely the adrenaline, similar to how I felt in the playoff at the Spanish Open. 

"I've got a lot of things in place to prepare for that. Fully aware of it already in my head that that's how I'm going to feel. But I clarified with my psychologist that I tend to play my best golf when I feel like that.

"It's nothing to be scared of. I just want to enjoy the moment and enjoy the experience, being in this position and playing with the top players of the world."

Penge was recently diagnosed with ADHD.

"I really understand me as a person now," he said.

"I've got a lot of things in place if I feel a certain way or things are getting too overstimulated for my brain.

"I feel much better that I understand myself, and I think it's played a massive part in my career and my success. This year has been unbelievable to have won three times."