England’s Marco Penge sealed his first ever triumph on the DP World Tour thanks to a three-shot victory at the Hainan Classic in China.
The 26-year-old, who returned from a ban only two months ago after he “placed bets on multiple golf events”, had a share of the lead alongside home favorite Xiao Bowen entering the final round at the Blackstone Course in Hainan Island but found himself a shot off the pace entering the back nine following an early final round surge from America’s Sean Crocker. However, the Englishman hit three successive birdies at the 12th, 13th, and 14th to pull away from the rest of the leaderboard and go onto card a five-under 67 and solidify victory on 17 under.
“This obviously means the world to me,” Penge said. “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 prove to everyone, to show what a player I am.
“My caddie, through that time, 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.”
Victory means Penge has earned himself a place at the US PGA Championship next month following his third place finish on the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing standings.
Crocker, who seemed to find momentum on the front nine, fell away on the back nine, recording a final-round 66 to finish in a tie for second alongside Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan on 14 under.
What is the next event?
The next event on the DP World Tour is the Turkish Airlines Open taking place between 8-11 May at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya.