Marco Penge Clinches Danish Golf Championship with Final Hole Birdie
English golfer Marco Penge secured a dramatic victory at the Danish Golf Championship on Sunday, winning by a single stroke. Penge’s triumph came after he successfully tapped in for a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing the tournament with a score of 16 under par.
The championship took place at Furesø Golf Klub in Copenhagen, where Penge faced off against Denmark’s own Rasmus Højgaard. Højgaard had initially taken a commanding lead, going four shots ahead through the first nine holes. However, his fortunes changed dramatically as he dropped four strokes in just four holes starting from the 10th, allowing Penge to take the lead.
Last-Minute Drama on the Final Hole
As the final group approached the par-5 18th hole, Penge held a two-shot advantage over Højgaard. The home crowd erupted as Højgaard rolled in an eagle putt from 10 feet, creating a moment of tension for Penge. With the championship on the line, Penge maintained his composure, needing to sink a 3-foot birdie putt to secure his victory. He did so, completing the round with a score of 4-under 67.
This victory marks Penge’s second title on the DP World Tour this year, following his earlier win at the Hainan Classic in April. Højgaard finished the tournament with a score of 69 and was left in a challenging position regarding his potential qualification for the upcoming Ryder Cup, scheduled to take place next month at Bethpage Black.
Ryder Cup Implications for Højgaard
Following the championship, Højgaard remains just outside the six automatic qualifying spots for the European Ryder Cup team. Currently ranked seventh, he trails Sepp Straka, who occupies the sixth position. With one qualifying event left, both golfers will have another opportunity to improve their standings. Højgaard is set to compete in the British Masters on the DP World Tour, while Straka will participate in the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship, which offers more qualifying points.
The competitive landscape ahead of the Ryder Cup adds weight to next week’s events, as both players seek to secure their spots on the prestigious team.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the significance of Penge’s victory and the ongoing battle for Ryder Cup qualification.
