The PGA Tour’s Truist Championship arrives at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon course in Flourtown this month, bringing with it an estimated $50-70 million in economic impact to the region.

This PGA Tour Signature Event will take place on May 8-11, only nine months after the club was chosen as its location. Although this stop on the circuit is typically hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina, the PGA had to find an alternate course last August due to scheduling conflicts. 

Joie Chitwood, Executive Director of the Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, believes that the championship will be exceptional despite the short notice.

“This is going to be a phenomenal event and the fact that we’re going to pull it off with nine months' notice is extra special,” Chitwood said in an interview with the Local. “We’re going to be so proud when everything is put to bed and we’re going to give fans a heck of an experience and a fantastic show.”

Building a premiere event

The Truist Championship will bring the top 72 players in the world to the Philadelphia area, including defending champion Rory McIlroy, fresh off his victory at the Masters in April. The purse for this coveted competition is $20 million and it will be broadcast globally in over 20 languages.

The storied history of PCC — the oldest country club in the United States — and Philadelphia were big selling points for organizers of the Truist Championship. Jim Smith Jr., chief operating officer and director of golf at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, said the reputation of PCC is a point of pride and club leadership should be credited.

“[Being selected for the Truist Championship] is validation that a lot of great leaders at the club have made good decisions to get us to this point,” Smith Jr. said.

Surprisingly, the Wissahickon course itself did not need any preparation for the championship. However, Smith Jr. said, to host all the spectators, the organizers needed to “build a mini city.” Chitwood agreed that it’s a unique challenge.

“[We had to] go from scratch, from a pristine, clean private club to an event that’s going to host tens of thousands of people,” Chitwood said.

With large crowds expected at the event, about 50,000 square feet of hospitality space had to be constructed for temporary use. 

Adding a local flair

In addition to an expected boost to the local economy from visitors, the Truist Championship will have an estimated $2.5 million charitable impact. One organization directly benefitting from the event is First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, a youth development organization that uses golf to help young people develop confidence and build character.

There will also be a shopping experience for fans with Philadelphia-inspired designs. Limited-edition items from Lululemon, Nike, Barstool Golf, and more will be available for fans to purchase. A custom line with Jason Kelce’s Underdog Apparel will be locally designed and produced, with 100% of the profits going to the (Be)Philly Foundation. That organization provides financial support to charities improving educational and economic outcomes for students in Philadelphia. 

The tournament will also feature a variety of Philadelphia-based food vendors, including Federal Donuts & Chicken, Gazzos Steaks, and Hangry Bear Creamery.

Over 1,600 volunteers are helping to launch and manage the Truist Championship, with duties such as tracking stats, greeting fans, and assisting with player transportation. These volunteers come from 21 states and three countries, with ages ranging from 13 to 86.

Figuring out logistics

Parking for the Truist Championship presented a unique challenge for organizers due to PCC’s limited spaces and the suburban nature of Flourtown. However, according to Smith Jr., the PGA Tour secured an additional 10 lots all within several miles of the club. Shuttle services will run throughout the day.

Tickets for Friday and Saturday are already sold out and 68 suites have been filled. Chitwood said Sunday tickets are also moving quickly and will likely sell out soon. These early indicators of the event’s success may be a good sign for those hoping Philadelphia earns more major golf tournaments.

“I’m seeing some really fantastic responses from the corporate community,” Chitwood said. “I think golf and Philadelphia go quite well together, and I would assume that the community… and the right folks, will notice that.”

As for now though, Chitwood said it’s crunch time for event organizers before the Truist Championship.

“Busy would be an understatement,” Chitwood said. “Caffeine and adrenaline get you through the day and we look to celebrate this after we hand the champion their trophy.”

Learn more about the Truist Championship and buy tickets at truistchampionship.com.