English golfer Marco Penge has been handed a two-month ban from the DP World Tour for breaching gambling regulations. The disciplinary panel found that the 26-year-old had placed bets on multiple tournaments, although not on his own performance or on days when he was still competing.
As part of the disciplinary action, Penge will pay a £2,000 ($2,539) fine and serve a three-month ban, with one month of the suspension being held in abeyance. He was commended for promptly admitting to the gambling activity and fully cooperating with the investigation.
Penge, who is currently ranked 414th in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), narrowly avoided losing his tour card by finishing 110th in the Race to Dubai standings. A crucial birdie on the final hole of his season secured his spot among the top 114 players who retained their playing privileges for the next season.
During his ban, Penge will miss out on competing in four regular tournaments and one Rolex Series event, putting him at a disadvantage in the race to maintain his tour card. The suspension is set to last until mid-February.
Overall, Penge’s gambling violations have had significant consequences on his professional golf career. Despite his relatively low ranking, he will need to work hard to regain his standing in the sport and ensure that his actions do not jeopardize his future opportunities. It serves as a reminder to all athletes about the importance of upholding the integrity and ethics of their respective sports.