Eagles fans heckle Scottie Scheffler, neighbors build the ultimate backyard view, and more from the PGA Championship

The PGA Championship was in full swing on Thursday with the first round of competition. Aronimink Golf Club gave fans great views — even though some created their own. Among the fans, there were plenty of Eagles supporters, and a few even let Scottie Scheffler have it during the practice rounds earlier this week. Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth fans came by the dozen.

Here are some of the highlights from the competition so far …

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Hundreds of fans surrounded the fifth hole, refreshing their PGA Championship apps as they patiently waited for some of the top players to make their way over to the 159-yard par-3.

After every group, more fans flocked to the hole until Rory McIlroy and Spieth stepped up to the tee box. Fans waited with their phone cameras out to capture their shots.

Spieth’s tee shot landed nearly three feet from the pin and fans cheered in response. Meanwhile, McIlroy’s shot landed around 33 feet from the pin.

It was looking as if McIlroy was going to need two putts and would par the hole. That is, until he struck his birdie putt perfectly and rolled it in — leaving fans to light up, raising their hands in celebration followed by applause.

For Ireland native Noel Farragher, 63, and his son Ray, they were happy to see McIlroy finish the hole with a birdie.

“I’m here with my dad today,” Ray said. “He’s from Ireland but moved to Philly about 20 years ago. So, there’s a bit of an Irish connection [with Rory]. We wanted to follow Rory around today. So, I just got to see that birdie which is fun.”

The McIlroy, Spieth, and Jon Rahm grouping may have been one of the most popular for Thursday’s crowd. Plenty of fans had their eyes on Spieth heading into the start of the tournament — whether they were rooting for him to complete a career Grand Slam or just happy to see someone with Lehigh Valley connections.

“He’s just the local fan favorite from where we’re from,” said Bethlehem native Paul Sinco. “And we graduated with his cousin, so we have kind of a little relationship with him.”

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Spieth’s grandfather was from Bethlehem and his parents grew up in the Lehigh Valley and graduated from Saucon Valley High School. But it wasn’t just locals rooting for him to take home the trophy.

“[We] saw Rory, Spieth, a couple guys like that,” said Virginia native Matt Cocorikis. “Hoping Jordan brings home the career Grand Slam this weekend.”

Cocorikis, who grew up in New Jersey, has been to a number of PGA events — including the Masters and the U.S. Open. But when he made the trip down to Aronimink, he was sporting a Patrick Ewing New York Knicks jersey.

“In the City of Brotherly Love, you got to show them who’s daddy sometimes,” Cocorikis said. “A little 4-0 series sweep, belt to [butt]. I just had to. Too easy.”

In terms of his interactions with other sports fans, everything had been civil.

“A lot of Knicks fans. I haven’t heard one Sixers fan and I don’t blame them for hiding. So, a lot of positive interactions,” Cocorikis added.

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But Sixers fans weren’t the only ones hit with strays this week. The Dallas Cowboys also received some hate from Eagles fans. As Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 golfer and a die-hard Cowboys fan, was on the green during one of his practice rounds, Eagles fans did what they do best.

“Dallas sucks, Scottie!” a fan yelled. “We’re going to smash you on Thanksgiving!”

Another gave a “Go Birds!” And to their surprise, Scheffler was all smiles when he turned around to line up his putt.

There are plenty of spots to watch the PGA Championship — whether you’re at the viewing area of 10th hole, sitting on the hill of first, or sitting on a handmade perch in the backyard of a house near Hole 14.

They stood above the 13th green and adjacent 14th tee to watch the action and were also out during Wednesday’s practice round.

If they stay in their homemade grandstand throughout the weekend, it’s safe to assume they’ll have saved some money in the process.

The PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club

The 108th PGA Championship returns to Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square for the first time in over six decades.

You can watch Marcus Hayes and Jeff Neiburg preview the tournament on 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 it all with our full PGA Championship preview. And follow the latest news and action from the course, right here.