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DP World Tour players have voted for their 2025 Player of the Year – and the recipient of the Seve Ballesteros award isn’t Rory McIlroy.
The Northern Irishman won The Masters to complete the career grand slam before lifting the Amgen Irish Open title in September, his 20th on the circuit.
But tour members have awarded Marco Penge the honours, following a breakthrough season which saw the Englishman seal three DP World Tour wins.
“I feel incredibly honoured to have won this prestigious award,” Penge said. “I had a great season last year on the DP World Tour, but to have that recognised by my fellow competitors really means a lot. I want to say a big thank you to all of them.
“To go from fighting to keep my card to winning an award that carries Seve’s name in the space of a year is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m grateful to my team for their support – it gives me huge confidence and motivation to keep pushing for more this season.”
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The 27-year-old started his remarkable run at the Hainan Classic before adding triumphs at the Danish Golf Championship and the Open de España. The latter earned him a place in this year’s Masters and Open Championship, as he reached a career-high world ranking.
Despite an additional five top tens, he finished second to McIlroy in the Race to Dubai. But that was enough to secure his PGA Tour card and starts in the first two Signature Events.
“Marco enjoyed a truly impressive 2025 season, which did not escape the attention of his peers, and we congratulate him as he becomes the latest winner of the Seve Ballesteros Award,” said Guy Kinnings, chief executive of the DP World Tour.
“Marco’s breakthrough DP World Tour season – highlighted by three victories but also a demonstration of consistency throughout – saw him climb from outside the top 400 in the Official World Golf Ranking into the top 30, and we look forward to seeing what he achieves next.”
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Seve’s son, Javier Ballesteros, said: “I first met Marco many years ago in southern Spain when he was playing on the mini tours.
“From those early days, he progressed through the Challenge Tour and went on to enjoy significant success on the DP World Tour, including three victories during the 2025 season, which truly showcased his talent and determination, before earning the opportunity to compete on the PGA Tour.
“That journey is a testament to his dedication and hard work and makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Seve Ballesteros Award.
“I have always admired people who commit themselves fully and succeed both in golf and in life – something my father instilled in us from a young age. My siblings and I are absolutely delighted for Marco and send him our warmest congratulations.”
