Philadelphia’s Golf Comeback: The Truist Championship Buzz
By: Jack Hirsh
Published on: May 11, 2025
Hey golf fans! If you happened to swing by the Philadelphia Cricket Club over the weekend, you probably noticed something pretty exciting—the vibe was electric! The Truist Championship marked the PGA Tour’s first return to Philly in three years, and let me tell you, the locals were more than ready to welcome back professional golf.
This wasn’t just any ordinary Sunday; it was the final round of the championship and the excitement in the air was palpable. But what’s this? The merchandise tent was unexpectedly closed? Yep, you heard me right! For those who don’t know, this is usually the busiest day of the event, and fans were left hanging. Word quickly spread that the PGA Tour Fan Shop had completely run out of hats. Can you believe that?
A Fan Shop Fiasco
To top it off, an email arrived late Saturday night informing Sunday ticket holders that, due to “a first-ever sell out of inventory,” the Fan Shop would be shut down for the day. Talk about a bummer! Everyone loves nabbing some exclusive merch to show off their support for the tournament and their favorite players. It seems like the demand was just too hot to handle this time.
A PGA Tour official confirmed the closure was indeed a rarity. Joie Chitwood, the Truist Championship Executive Director, shared that the excitement among fans was off the charts. The sold-out crowds and the overwhelming demand for merchandise demonstrated how much the Philadelphia community cherishes this sport.
Merch Madness Continues
Don’t worry, though! If you missed out on the on-site merch, Chitwood announced some good news for fans still eager to grab memorabilia. If you attended on Sunday, you’ll be receiving an email with an access code to get 10% off your pick of Truist Championship gear at PGATOURFanShop.com. Just a heads up—there were only 28 items listed, many with that dreaded “Almost Gone” tag. If you see something you like, you’d better act fast!
A Long Wait for Top-Tier Golf
Now, let’s take a step back and think about the bigger picture. It’s clear that Philadelphia has waited way too long for championship-level golf to come back to town. Believe it or not, the city hasn’t hosted a regular PGA Tour event since 1980! The good news? Big events are on the horizon. Pennsylvanians can look forward to the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in 2026 and the U.S. Open at Merion in 2030.
A Historic Course
Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the incredible course hosting this year’s Truist Championship. The Philadelphia Cricket Club, one of the oldest clubs in America, features a stunning A.W. Tillinghast design from 1922. Its layout is challenging yet scenic, playing just over 7,100 yards, and the players absolutely loved it. They’ve asked for more classic northeastern gems to join the Tour rotation, and honestly, who can blame them?
A Growing Enthusiasm
Currently, the only regular PGA Tour stop in the Northeast is the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, but golfers like Tony Finau are raising their voices for change. “Within a 100 to 150-mile radius of this place, I think there’s some of the best golf in the world,” he said. “I’d love to see the TOUR make a lot more stops here. This is definitely a good one.” Couldn’t have said it better myself!
The sheer enthusiasm from the fans this week is a refreshing reminder of how our love for golf can bring communities together. From the cheers echoing across the course to the excitement over selling out merch, it’s clear that Philadelphia’s sporting spirit is alive and kicking.
Time to Celebrate
As we all wrap up this exciting chapter for Philadelphia golf, don’t forget to keep an eye on the event calendar. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, mark your calendars for the upcoming big PGA events in the area.
So here’s to the passionate fans, the players who put on a spectacular show, and the amazing Philadelphia Cricket Club for hosting such a memorable event! Cheers to more birdies, eagles, and unforgettable moments in this vibrant golfing town.
Stay Tuned
Rest assured, the buzz surrounding Philadelphia golf isn’t going anywhere. With more tournaments lined up and increasing enthusiasm from both players and fans, the future is looking bright. Stay tuned for updates, as this city’s legacy in the world of golf continues to grow!
Whether you’re heading out for a round yourself or just tuning in to watch your favorite players, let’s keep the excitement alive, Philadelphia! Remember, it’s not just about the scores; it’s about the community, the camaraderie, and a whole lot of great golf!
