Wanamaker Trophy returns home as PGA Championship begins at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. (WPVI) -- The world's best professional golfers are competing in the region this week as the men's second major of the season gets underway at Aronimink Golf Club.

The 108th PGA Championship began Thursday, with the opening round in progress in Newtown Square.

Along with the competition, the tournament highlights one of golf's most historic prizes - the Wanamaker Trophy - which has deep roots in Philadelphia.

Golfers this weekend are vying for the chance to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy, considered one of the sport's most iconic awards. This year's championship marks a homecoming for the trophy, which is named after Rodman Wanamaker, the son of Philadelphia businessman John Wanamaker.

RELATED: The curious case of the missing Wanamaker Trophy

Rodman Wanamaker is credited with helping shape the PGA of America and elevating professional golf in the United States through his vision and leadership.

"Rodman said he thought it was important that we had a championship of all golf professionals, so he supported and financed the purse for the first PGA championship and the trophy, that we now know as the Wanamaker trophy," said Jeff Kiddie, head PGA professional at Aronimink.

The trophy, which weighs 27 pounds and stands 28 inches tall, is making what officials describe as a full-circle moment just outside Philadelphia.

Fans attending the championship can see a large replica of the Wanamaker Trophy displayed in the fan zone, where it drew crowds of spectators stopping to take photos.

The Wanamaker Trophy dates back to 1916, though its history nearly took an unexpected turn. The trophy was famously lost in the 1920s after golfer Walter Hagen gave it to a taxi driver to take back to his hotel.

The PGA Championship continues through the weekend, with one golfer set to claim the trophy that began its story in Philadelphia more than a century ago.