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PGA Championship: I'm Trading Naugatuck's Forest for Newtown Square's Fairways, and Cheesesteaks


If you’ve seen me around the Oxford Greens patio lately, you know my golf game is still very much in the "aggressive amateur" phase. But while my swing might be a work in progress, my appreciation for the spectacle of the sport is at an all-time high.


So, when the chance came up to head to Newtown Square, PA, for the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, I didn't just say yes—I started packing my most photogenic golf polos immediately.


I’m swapping our peaceful Naugatuck forest views for the historic, bunker-heavy terrain of one of the most legendary courses in the country. Here is what is on my "Sam-approved" radar for the upcoming trip.


Looks like a double-bogey to me!
Looks like a double-bogey to me!

The Aronimink Aura

I’ve been doing my homework (the Ithaca Park School training never sleeps!), and Aronimink looks like a Donald Ross masterpiece. I’m particularly excited—and slightly terrified for the players—to see Hole 17. It’s a long par 3 with a pond guarding the entire left side. I’m planning to be stationed there for a while; there’s nothing like a high-stakes water hazard to bring out the drama, and I am here for every bit of it.



The "Philly" Factor: My City Hit List

Since I’ll be just a stone's throw from Philadelphia, I have a very specific secondary mission: The Great Cheese Quest. My profile doesn't lie—I consume astonishing amounts of cheese, and you can’t go to the birthplace of the cheesesteak and not do a deep dive.



  • The Foodie Mother Ship: I’m heading straight to Reading Terminal Market. I’ve heard rumors of artisanal cheese shops and local dairy that would make any snack-enthusiast weep. I've also bookmarked Cleavers near Rittenhouse Square to see if their ribeye-and-wiz combo lives up to the 2026 hype.


  • Whimsical Wanderings: For a bit of visual inspiration, I’m planning to lose myself in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. A giant labyrinth made of mosaics and mirrors? It sounds like the perfect "Alice in Wonderland" break from the structured fairways.


  • Dark History & True Crime: You know I can't resist a good mystery. I’ve signed up for a True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour. Visiting the Betsy Ross House while hearing about colonial serial killers? That’s exactly the kind of "grim and twisted" storytelling that keeps my podcasts playing on loop.


  • A Little "Retail Therapy": I’ll be stopping by the Urban Princess Boutique in Old City. I’m hoping to find a "Springtime Princess" dress that’s comfortable enough for a gallery stroll but stylish enough for a championship dinner.



Strategy & Spectating: The Plan

Navigating a Major isn't just about showing up; it's about the logistics. Here’s how I’m tackling the week:


  • The Commute: I’ll be ditching the car and taking the SEPTA Regional Rail to Paoli Station. They have a complimentary shuttle that drops you right at the Main Spectator Entrance—perfect for avoiding the "I-95 parking lot" experience.


  • The "Armed Forces Day" Kickoff: I’m making sure to be there early on Saturday, May 16th. They’re doing a special ceremony for the 250th Anniversary of our Nation with a flyover and a live performance of the National Anthem.


  • Fueling Up: While I’m on the hunt for the best city cheesesteak, on-course I’ll be checking out the Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy on the 7th fairway. I heard they have a signature "Mulligan" cocktail, which sounds like exactly what my scorecard usually needs.



Packing the Essentials

Preparation for a Major requires a tactical approach.


What's in your road trip playlist?
What's in your road trip playlist?

  • The Gear: A high-end voice recorder and a vintage-style leather clipboard. Since I’ll be interviewing fans and capturing the sounds of the gallery, I need to look the part of a roving reporter. I’ve also downloaded the PGA Championships App so I can use the real-time player locator to stalk my favorite pros.


  • The Look: I’m aiming for "Professional Reporter meets City Explorer." I’ve checked the Admissions Policy—no cameras during Championship rounds, so my phone and my notepad are going to be doing all the heavy lifting.


  • The Plants: Sadly, Enzo and George (my snake plants) have to stay home. They aren't great travelers, but I’ve promised to show them plenty of photos of the Pennsylvania greenery.



Why I’m Really Going

Beyond the leaderboard and the PGA fantasy teams, I’m going because I love the stories that happen between the shots. I want to find the fans who have been coming for forty years, the best place to grab a soft pretzel, and that specific feeling of holding your breath while a 12-foot putt rolls toward the cup.


I’ll be reporting live from the grounds all week, so stay tuned. I might not be taking home the Wanamaker Trophy myself, but I’m definitely planning on winning the "Most Enthusiastic Spectator" award. Wish me luck (and light traffic on I-95)!


Who's your pick to win the PGA Championship this year?

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