This week the 54-year-old amateur’s teeing up for his 10th Queenstown Open.
"I think there’s nothing quite like the thrill of playing inside the ropes alongside some of the best players in Australasia, the atmosphere is electric.
"It’s quite incredible watching them at their craft, sort of the way they hit the ball, I mean, it’s just incredible, even the sound, it’s just such a crack.
"And the accuracy as well, and just the way they think — it’s almost like they’re thinking another shot or two ahead of where we are."
Penny admits it’s "quite nerve-wracking" playing in their company.
"You know, the Saturday and the Sunday, when the crowds come in and you’ve got that little four-foot putt and you miss it, the crowd certainly lets you know.
"But I think you put it into perspective — the crowd has actually come to see the pros, not you.
"You’ve got to go in with that mindset, look, we’re amateurs, we’re going to miss some putts, we’re going to have some duffs."
However, Penny says he’s also aware it’s amateurs like him, paying $25,000 to play, who contribute to the Open’s prize purse.
"But I think also the amateurs have to understand we’re fortunate to be in there — it is their pay-day, and if they’re on the green for two and you’re still hacking in a bush with four or five shots, you’re just better to pick up, because it can get quite frustrating, I think, for them."
Speaking of the pros, Penny says in his first Open he partnered Cam Smith, who’s gone on to become one of the world’s best players.
"A friend went over to the LIV tour in Adelaide and took a photo of him and he still remembers playing with an old hacker from Taupo."
An 8-handicapper, he’s only once missed the cut for Saturday and once got into Sunday’s field where he and his partner finished fifth.
Last year he played with Aussie Anthony Quayle who tied for third.
"We’ve been keeping in touch, and I’m fortunate enough to be playing with him again this year, which I’m pretty excited about."
