When an amateur golfer ranks ahead of renowned players like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jon Rahm at the 2025 PGA Championship, it signals a strong command of driving skills. Those competing near the top of driving distance averages during this major tournament hold a distinct advantage, as exemplified by Marco Penge’s performance at Quail Hollow.
Penge’s impressive driving helped him finish tied for 28th in one of the season’s most competitive events, boosting him into the top 200 of the Official World Golf Rankings. His mix of power and control off the tee earned him the longest drive of the tournament and a second-place ranking for total driving, a metric combining distance and accuracy.
With these achievements showcasing the value of effective driving, Marco Penge shares three expert tips designed to help amateur golfers gain extra yards and maintain better control off the tee.
Pro Driving Advice for Amateurs from a Rising DP World Tour Star
Marco Penge’s breakthrough came in April 2025, when he captured his first DP World Tour title at the Hainan Classic. Following that with a strong showing at his first PGA Championship, where he made the cut and secured a top-30 finish, he is quickly establishing himself as a formidable driver on the tour.
Recognized for his long driving distances and consistent performance, Penge is currently ranked in the top 20 of the Race to Dubai standings and has multiple wins on the Challenge Tour, alongside amateur victories. His ability to blend length with accuracy has made him one of the best drivers globally.
In an Instagram video for Golf Monthly, Penge offers three practical driving tips aimed at helping amateurs improve their distance and accuracy off the tee.
Tip 1: Prioritize Keeping the Ball in Play Over Maximum Distance
Many amateur players focus on hitting the ball as far as possible, but Penge stresses the importance of hitting shots that stay in play. He advises golfers to develop a reliable shot during practice sessions that they can consistently execute on the course, even if it means swinging at 65-70% of their full speed.
“Hitting the ball a long way is great, but you need to also focus on keeping the ball in-play,”
he points out, emphasizing that accuracy often leads to better scoring opportunities.
Tip 2: Consider Using Clubs Other Than the Driver from the Tee
Contrary to the instinct to always reach for the driver, Penge suggests that amateurs sometimes opt for fairway woods or even a 2-iron. These clubs can offer better control and help keep the ball in a safe position for the next shot, reducing the risk of trouble off the tee.
Choosing the right club rather than insisting on maximum distance can improve overall scoring by avoiding penalties and difficult recoveries.
Tip 3: Grip Down on the Club to Enhance Control and Accuracy
Penge recommends gripping down on the club when hitting driver shots. This technique involves moving the hands slightly closer to the clubhead while maintaining a proper golf grip, which can improve the straightness of drives and lower dispersion.
He explains that distance alone does not win rounds if shots stray far from the target, causing challenging second shots and increasing the chance of high scores.
Record-Breaking Drives and Driving Accuracy at the 2025 PGA Championship
Marco Penge’s commanding performance included a tournament-longest drive of 390 yards, significantly longer than his closest competitors like Nicolai Hojgaard (384 yards) and Wyndham Clark (381 yards). This 2025 PGA Championship milestone confirms his status as a leading driver on the professional circuit.
In terms of accuracy, Richard Bland led the field by hitting 78.57% of fairways, followed closely by 2025 US Open Champion JJ Spaun with 76.79%. Penge finished tied for 17th in driving accuracy, a testament to his balanced approach combining length and precision, which contributed to his overall strong playing results.
Why Driving Skills Matter for Amateurs and Professionals Alike
Success stories like Marco Penge’s demonstrate the critical role of effective driving in competitive golf. Amateurs adopting these driving principles can find themselves gaining valuable yards and lowering their scores by focusing on accuracy and smart club selection.
Implementing Penge’s guidance—staying in play, exploring alternatives to the driver, and adjusting grip—offers a practical framework for players seeking to emulate the driving skills of top pros like Scottie Scheffler and others finishing near the top of leaderboards in major tournaments.
As amateur golfers refine their driving abilities with these proven methods, they not only add distance but also improve consistency, paving the way for better tournament results and overall enjoyment of the game.