Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love, is playing host to the PGA Tour this week as the Truist Championship (formerly the Wells Fargo Championship) makes its debut at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, a fresh venue for the Tour’s sixth Signature Event. But the change in location doesn’t mean a shift in excitement. The golf world is buzzing with the news of this new stop.
The course at Philadelphia Cricket Club, a hidden gem in the heart of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, has quickly captured the attention of the players, including some of the biggest names in the game. In fact, it’s not just about a different location—many of the Tour’s stars are already singing the praises of this iconic venue.
New Venue, Same Buzz: The Philadelphia Cricket Club Experience
For players like Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, the Philadelphia Cricket Club is a thrilling change. Although the iconic Quail Hollow was the usual backdrop for the event, this year, the spotlight shifts to a fresh challenge. McIlroy, who claimed victory at the Truist Championship last year, wasted no time in showing his enthusiasm for the course.
“Look, Philadelphia is one of the best places in the U.S. for golf,” McIlroy shared with a grin. “There are so many great courses around here. We’re playing the PGA at Aronimink next year. We’re playing the U.S. Open in ’30 at Merion. There’s a lot of great golf in this area. It’s a beautiful spot.”
Indeed, the charm of the Philadelphia area’s golf scene is undeniable, with its deep history and challenging courses. The likes of Aronimink and Merion only add to the region’s golf prestige, making this week’s event even more special.
Thomas Adds His Voice: A Golf Mecca
Justin Thomas, no stranger to the rigors of top-tier golf, echoed McIlroy’s sentiments but also gave an interesting twist to the conversation. The reigning RBC Heritage winner, who is known for his sharp analysis of golf course architecture, was quick to appreciate the uniqueness of the courses in the Philadelphia region.
“It’s spectacular. I’m honestly bummed that I hadn’t played here beforehand because I selfishly would have tried to play Merion while I was here,” Thomas joked ahead of the Truist Championship. “Still, I feel like it’s in my best interest and my job to play the golf course that I’m playing this week.”
Thomas’s fondness for the area’s golf style didn’t stop there. He drew comparisons to classic European courses, a statement that highlights just how special Philadelphia’s golf offerings truly are.
“To me, it’s just a different style and a different look of golf up here,” he explained. “I think of it similar to Scotland or Ireland. There’s no bad golf courses, it seems like you can play, you know what I mean?”
It’s easy to understand his admiration. The golf courses in the Philadelphia area stand out due to their old-school architectural styles. There’s a certain charm in their winding fairways, strategic bunkers, and tricky green complexes. Thomas also noted the rye and bluegrass rough that gives the courses an added level of difficulty while enhancing their visual appeal.
The Northeast’s Golf Tradition: Timeless and Unique
What makes the golf courses in the Northeast so attractive to McIlroy and Thomas isn’t just their challenging nature, but the rich tradition behind them. The combination of old-school designs and natural landscapes creates a uniquely enjoyable experience for the players, and both McIlroy and Thomas seem eager for more golf in the region.
“There’s just something about the way the bent fairways and rye, bluegrass rough shape the holes,” Thomas said. “It looks really cool. I think that’s why a lot of guys are so excited to come here.”
As the Truist Championship rolls on, the Philadelphia Cricket Club is proving to be a fitting venue for this PGA Tour event. For the golfers, the change in scenery is more than just a visual refresh—it’s a reminder of the area’s deep-rooted golfing history, which has shaped its reputation as one of the best places to play in the country.
The Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club may only be a temporary stop for now, but it’s clear that both players and fans are already embracing the charm and challenges that the Northeast golf scene offers. Who knows? This may become an event to look forward to in the years ahead.
