Lush fairways hidden under the snow will soon reveal themselves as the Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square preps for the May 11 to 17 men’s PGA Championship, Philadelphia’s first in decades, writes Isaac Avilucea for Axios.
The tournament will bring 156 of the world’s best players, with celebrities and powerbrokers among the 200,000 attendees.
The economic impact is expected to be around $125 million, and there will be 3,300 volunteers from across the country to help pull it off.
PGA general chair Michael Lewers calls the event the “opportunity of a lifetime” that’s “right down the street.”
This month, organizers are installing infrastructure, training volunteers, and readying the course after the snow thaws.
Since pro golfers can drive the ball an average of 306 yards, the course is being modified.
Tee boxes were pushed back, fairways have been narrowed, and greens sped up. The course will feature some “nasty” rough, Lewers said.
Tickets are, of course, sold out, though practice-round tickets are still available.
Lewers said it’s a classic brain-over-brawn battle among the best of the best.
Those who miss it won’t see another major golf event locally until the 2030 U.S. Open at the Merion Golf Club.
About 200 volunteer spots are still available in the PGA Shops, reports a related Axios article.
Volunteers must work at least 16 to 20 hours, or three to four shifts. Shop volunteers work in a football-field-sized, air-conditioned pop-up tent at the entrance of the course. They will welcome guests, stock inventory, operate the cash register, and help visitors buy goods.
There is a $270 volunteer uniform package fee, which gives the volunteer a uniform, food and beverage, a PGA drawstring bag, and a complimentary parking pass.
As a volunteer, you also receive a personalized credential allowing you daily access to the course as a spectator when you are not working.
Sign up here as a PGA volunteer.
Read more about preparations for the PGA Championship Tournament in Axios.
Read more about volunteering at the tournament in Axios.
