PGA Championship: Practice rounds begin in Delaware County ahead of weeklong golf event

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. (WPVI) -- It's a big week for golf fans as the PGA Championship gets underway in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

Fans are flocking from all over the country and world for the event held at the Aronimink Golf Club.

"It's crazy to think that Delaware County -- the fifth most populous county in the state and third smallest geographically -- is hosting the 200,000 visitors coming into this event," said Steve Byrne, the executive director of Visit Delco.

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The setup began in February, complete with a 50,000 square foot PGA superstore; food and drink lounges, and countless activities for fans to explore.

"The atmosphere, the vibe, the course, for somebody who loves golf, it doesn't get any better than that," said Christian Downie from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

This is the second time the century-long event has been held at Aronimink. The first was in 1962.

"We still talk about having the PGA Championship here in 1962 when most of us weren't even born yet," said Andrew Panzo, president of Aronimink Golf Club. "We're on the international stage."

It is the first time the area has hosted one of golf's four major tournaments since the U.S. Open in 2013 at Merion Golf Club.

"The locals have supported this event and I should say everybody in the Philadelphia region has supported this so well that we've sold out all of our championship rounds," said Jackie Endsley, PGA Championship director. She noted that limited tickets remain for Monday through Wednesday and warned that parking is "very limited," urging visitors to use public transportation via SEPTA or the event's rideshare program.

Local avid golfers say they are excited for the chance to see top talent in the Delaware Valley.

"It's really surreal seeing them up close. You see it on TV, but live and in person is a different feel, something I was happy to experience," said Randy Reid of Havertown, Pennsylvania.

"Some of the world's best golfers in our hometown is very exciting for us," said Andrew Koller of Royersford, Pennsylvania. "We're excited, Philly's ready. Been a couple years since we've had a big tournament like this."

The event is also welcoming first-timers like Gabriella Messina.

"I'm not a huge golfer; it's definitely new to me. My little brother's a huge golfer. I was able to bring him, so that's cool," said Messina.

The expected economic impact for the one-week event is $125 million. Organizers say the region is what's truly coming out on top.

"This is maybe the greatest four-month stretch of sporting events any city has ever seen. When you think about March Madness, move into the PGA this week, you go to FIFA World Cup, and MLB All-Star game over a four-month window; I'd venture to say no city can match that, maybe ever," said Executive Director of PHL Sports, Larry Needle.

Practice rounds began Monday morning.

While tickets are still available for Tuesday and Wednesday's practices, the championship rounds are sold out.

Full spectator transportation, parking and road closure information is available on the PGA Championship spectator guide.

SEPTA is adding several trips each day on the Paoli/Thorndale Line, and a complimentary shuttle will run from the Paoli station. Practice rounds continue through Wednesday, with tournament play scheduled from Thursday through Sunday.