PGA Championship food operation gears up to feed thousands of fans at Aronimink

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Spectators at the PGA Championship are expected to cover several miles each day at Aronimink Golf Club, and tournament organizers say a massive food and beverage operation is in place to keep them fueled.

Organizers estimate the average fan will walk between four and six miles per day during the championship, which began Thursday in Newtown Square.

With roughly 200,000 people expected on site throughout the week, feeding crowds of that size requires extensive planning.

By the end of the tournament, organizers expect to serve an estimated 124,000 burgers, along with 88,000 hot dogs and 77,000 chicken sandwiches.

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Early-morning crowds are also projected to consume about 47,000 breakfast sandwiches by Sunday.

Beverages are a major part of the operation as well. Organizers say approximately 122,000 beers will be poured over the course of the weekend.

Eric Babcook, who oversees food and beverage operations for the PGA Championship, said the scale of the event required long-term preparation.

"What football and baseball stadiums or arenas do in 365 days, we do in seven days here at the PGA Championship," Babcook said.

Food and drinks are served across four all-inclusive outlets and 18 bar locations throughout the grounds. Organizers say the layout is designed for efficiency, allowing fans to eat and drink without missing action on the course.