Philly Showed Up: The 2026 PGA Championship Arrives Home
The Wanamaker Trophy came to the City of Brotherly Love — and the energy was undeniable.
When the PGA Championship landed at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, it wasn’t just a Major. It was a moment. For a city that bleeds green, runs on passion, and never needs a reason to celebrate — this was Philadelphia’s tournament.
The festivities kicked off on May 15 with the Corebridge Financial Welcome Reception at Aronimink, and the city wasted no time making its presence felt. The iconic Wanamaker Trophy — one of golf’s most storied prizes — stood front and center as PGA of America staff members posed alongside it, all smiles, all energy. Pure Philly.
PGA of America staff members Olivia Doody and Reagan Audi pose alongside the Wanamaker Trophy during the Corebridge Financial Welcome Reception at Aronimink Golf Club, May 15, 2026. (Photo: Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
Even Swoop showed up.
The Philadelphia Eagles mascot made a surprise appearance at the reception, posing with volunteers and attendees alike — a nod to the unmistakable sports culture that defines this region. Because in Philly, it doesn’t matter if it’s football season or not. The city always brings the noise.
Attendees pose with Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop during the PGA Championship Corebridge Financial Welcome Reception at Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA. (Photo: Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
Volunteers share a moment with Swoop during the Welcome Reception — because a Philly event isn’t complete without the Birds. (Photo: Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
The evening also carried moments of formal recognition. Philadelphia PGA Section President Bob Hennefer was honored with a recognition plaque, presented by PGA of America Vice President Nathan Charnes alongside PGA of America Secretary Eric Eshleman and CEO Terry Clark — a proper acknowledgment of the local leadership that helped bring the world’s best golfers to the Philadelphia suburbs.
Philadelphia PGA Section President Bob Hennefer receives a recognition plaque from PGA of America Vice President Nathan Charnes during the Welcome Reception at Aronimink Golf Club. (Photo: Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
PGA of America Secretary Eric Eshleman, CEO Terry Clark, Philadelphia PGA Section President Bob Hennefer, and Vice President Nathan Charnes pose with Hennefer’s recognition plaque and the Wanamaker Trophy. (Photo: Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
At the bar, on the grounds, and in front of that gleaming trophy, the energy of the Welcome Reception captured exactly what it feels like when a world-class event chooses your city. Not just as a venue — but as a home.
Attendees gather at the bar during the Corebridge Financial Welcome Reception at Aronimink Golf Club — the unofficial start of Championship Week in the Philadelphia suburbs. (Photo: Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
The 2026 PGA Championship reminded the golf world what Philadelphia already knows: when this city hosts, it hosts.
A photographer captures the Wanamaker Trophy alongside an attendee during the Welcome Reception at Aronimink Golf Club, May 15, 2026. (Photo: Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
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