Marco Penge Takes One-Shot British Masters Lead Into Third Round

Marco Penge completed a second-round 65 to take a one-shot lead into the third round of the weather-affected Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.

The Englishman reached 10-under at The Belfry, one clear of 2023 champion Daniel Hillier. Nacho Elvira, Tom McKibbin and Shaun Norris shared third place on 8-under.

More than nine hours of play were lost across Thursday and Friday as storms, heavy rain and flooded bunkers disrupted the tournament. The rain continued on Saturday morning, when Penge and the other remaining players returned to complete the second round.

Penge stood at 11-under after completing 14 holes before Friday evening’s suspension, having played 32 holes during a long day. He made a bogey at the 9th, his final hole, after finding trouble from the tee but still signed for a 7-under round.

“It was pretty typical of me to have a roller coaster sort of round of golf. Luckily this one was on the right side of par,” Penge said.

“I think especially on the holes I stopped on, like 6, 7, 8, 9, probably the hardest four holes on the golf course. There’s a lot of danger about.”

Penge Finds Form After Difficult Start to 2026

Across the 32 holes he played on Friday, Penge carded an eagle, ten birdies and a single bogey. His second-round scoring began with an eagle at the 10th before four birdies around the turn moved him clear of the field.

The 28-year-old won three times during the 2025 DP World Tour season, beginning with his maiden title at the Hainan Classic. He finished second to Rory McIlroy in the Race to Dubai and earned PGA Tour membership.

His 2026 schedule has been restricted by recurring health problems, which also forced him to miss the US Open. Penge described the season as a “nightmare” but has shown no obvious discomfort at the British Masters.

Hillier One Shot Back

Hillier completed the last four holes of his second round in level par for a 66. The New Zealander made six birdies before Friday’s suspension but could not convert an 18-foot chance when play resumed.

“Pretty happy with that overall,” Hillier said. “It was a long day yesterday. I wanted to keep my focus and composure and actually played some of my best golf towards the end there.”

McKibbin, the first-round leader during Thursday’s delays, shot 68 after a bogey-eagle-bogey finish. Elvira returned a 71, while Norris birdied the 6th during his remaining holes to join them on 8-under.

Matthew Jordan was another stroke back at 7-under. Thorbjørn Olesen, Ewen Ferguson and Fabrizio Zanotti reached 6-under as the tournament moved into its delayed third round.

 

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