Where to get the best views at Aronimink, what’s in the Fan Zone, and more from Day 1 of PGA Championship practice
Going to the PGA Championship this week? Just curious about what’s going on inside the gates? Here’s what you need to know about the fan experience, including the best vantage points.
For the first time in over a decade, a golf major has made its way to the Philadelphia region.
This week, the PGA Championship is taking over Aronimink Golf Club, and thousands of spectators will fill the course, taking in sights of their favorite players — including pros like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
“I wanted to be here because major championships don’t come around to Philadelphia every so often,” said 31-year-old Philadelphia native Ryan Smith. “It’s really important because golf in the Philadelphia area is really historic and there are a lot of really good golf courses around here. And it’s always a great sports city. Philly is one of the best and I think it’d be great if we had more golf tournaments here.”
» READ MORE: PGA Championship Range Show Powered by T-Mobile
Although competition doesn’t start until Thursday, fans began to arrive at the Newtown Square course Monday to watch the opening day of practice rounds — and get a first look at the course that will test golf’s best throughout the week.
We’ve already outlined how to get to Aronimink and what else fans visiting Delaware County can look forward to this week, but now that the gates have opened, we’re learning even more about what fans can expect at the 108th PGA Championship. Here’s what we saw and heard on Day 1 …
» READ MORE: Going to the PGA Championship at Aronimink? Here’s what to know, including transit, parking, food options, and more
A homecoming, and a birthday treat
Just below the clubhouse, fans will spot the first hole — which shares a tee box with Hole 10. Surrounding the area, a number of fans gathered around on a hill to watch some of the action.
Two of the spectators were Rita and Glenn Schreiner, two Philadelphia natives who made the trip up from Maryland, where they currently reside. Both Rita and Glenn grew up and got married in the city, so Monday’s practice round was the perfect opportunity for a homecoming.
“It’s fantastic,” Rita said. “I mean, this is a great event. It’s a beautiful course and it’s nice to have something so close by. It’s been a little laid back because, you know, it’s just the practice round. But it’s nice because you really get up close. And we’re here with family. The kids are getting lots of autographs so they love it.”
The 108th PGA Championship — one of the four major championship of men's professional golf — returns to Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square for the first time in over six decades.
On Wednesday, Marcus Hayes and Jeff Neiburg will host Gameday Central from Aronimink, and be sure to check out the PGA Championship Range Show from 12-2 p.m daily, starting Wednesday.
Whether you're going, watching from home, or just curious about what all the fuss is about, we've got you covered with our PGA guide and stories on everything from Aronimink's history and design, to what the players have to say about returning to the Philly area. We even made a golf video game so you can play the course and learn its secrets. Get more here.
The Schreiners planned to stay at the first hole for the rest of the day. But other fans, like J.R. Tunstall and Sean Brittingham, were ready to get their steps in as they navigated the course and followed some of their favorite golfers, like defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
“I wanted to be here because I’ve never been to Aronimink before,” Brittingham said. “I’ve never been to a PGA event. I thought it would be cool to watch the players, you know, swing up close in-person. … There’s a lot of great courses around here. There hasn’t been a major event in a while, to my knowledge, so it’s good to get one back in this area.”
As for Tunstall, Monday was the perfect way to celebrate his birthday. The 29-year-old from Garnet Valley took a day off from work to celebrate.
“It’s Monday, unfortunately, Monday birthdays kind of suck,” Tunstall said. “But [I’m looking forward] to just watching the players and then, you know, taking it all in. Just seeing the course, [taking in] this whole experience of the tournament and the Tour. It’s going to be cool seeing the players up close.”
The best views on the course
It can be overwhelming for fans to arrive and be greeted by the 300 acres of land that make up Aronimink, so we scoured the course to find some of the best vantage points from which to watch the action.
The first hole, a 434-yard par 4, is a great spot to see some high-elevation tee shots. It’s a long, straight opening hole located just below the clubhouse, and it shares a tee box with the 10th hole.
» READ MORE: Donald Ross’ ‘masterpiece’ at Aronimink will again challenge the best at the PGA Championship
Behind the tee box, there’s the hill that many fans rested on, including the Schreiners, who chose the spot for its location.
“[We’re sitting here] because it’s less walking,” Glenn said. “I’m not going to burn my legs out today.”
If you’re looking to see some action on the green, check out Holes 8 and 10. The two greens almost connect, and the 10th hole viewing area is the perfect place to see both.
For 65-year-old Thomas Measey, this spot was in the best location — but not just for the view.
“It’s close to the other holes that we can see,” Measey said. “And it’s close to the food and beverage.”
The 11th hole, a 425-yard par 4, has over 20 bunkers, making it a challenge for the players, which could lead to some fun shots to watch.
And at the 17th hole, a 229-yard, slightly downhill par 3, there should be some drama on display, with a pond running down the entire left side of the green. The Hole 17 viewing area provides a great look at the players’ shots, and a beautiful view of the course.
» READ MORE: Aronimink’s prestigious history gets the national spotlight at the PGA Championship
Golf on and off the course
With an expected field of 156 golfers, there’s going to be nonstop action on the course. But there’s also plenty for fans to get involved in even when they aren’t watching the pros battle Donald Ross’ “masterpiece.“ And that includes one of the stops fans should make when they first arrive — taking photos with the giant replica Wanamaker Trophy located by the Fan Zone.
There are several other reasons to stop in the Fan Zone, which is located directly behind the PGA merchandise store, including a wine lounge and one of the main food markets, where fans can pick up some of the unlimited food and snacks included with tickets.
And when fans start experiencing some FOMO while watching their favorite players tee it up, they can test out their own driving skills in the American Airlines Longest Drive tent.
But if fans are unsure about their own skills — or lack thereof — and not yet ready to put them on display in front of a crowd, then the PGA’s swing analysis area — located in front of the merchandise store — is the place to be.
» READ MORE: Philly Phairway Pro Golf: Play a round at Aronimink — and learn its secrets — before the PGA Championship
Here, fans can get their swings analyzed and learn more about their setup, backswing, downswing, impact, and follow through.
And if all the walking — and swinging — has you in need of a break, the Leisure Lounge is the spot to take a break and unwind without missing any of the on-course action. There are plenty of seats and sofas, a bar, and televisions to stay up to date on what’s happening while giving your legs a break.
