Fairways, Phantoms and Philly: The 2026 PGA Championship is My Kind of Major

I’ve worn a lot of hats in my life—flight attendant scarves, pastry chef toques, and the occasional diplomat’s blazer—but this week, I’m trading them all in for a visor and a media pass. I’m heading down to Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square to cover the 2026 PGA Championship, and let’s just say my bag is packed with more than just notebooks and extra chargers.

While the world’s best golfers are preparing to battle the "monster" greens of Donald Ross’s legendary course, I’m mentally preparing for a different kind of weekend. You see, when I’m not at the course "reporting" (read: watching pros make shots I only dream of while my own golf game remains "relatably" tragic), I’ll be doing what I do best—hunting for ghosts, gardening tips, and the perfect cannoli.

Here is what I’m most looking forward to as I swap the quiet pines of Shining Rock for the high-stakes energy of a Major.

The "Work" (Yes, It’s a Tough Job)

Aronimink is a beast. It’s got history, it’s got scale, and it has a worldly prestige that reminds me of my foreign service days—just with more bunkers and fewer formal cables. I’m eager to see how the pros handle the pressure of the 108th PGA Championship. But mostly, I’m looking forward to the storytelling. Every golfer has a "Happily Ever After" they’re chasing this week, and I’ll be there to capture the drama, the heartbreak, and the inevitable "I can’t believe he made that" moments.

The "Reporting" (The Philly Detours)

Philadelphia is a city that speaks my language. It’s a place where you can find a world-class croissant and a 200-year-old spirit in the same block. My itinerary is already overflowing:

• A Pastry Chef’s Inspection: Since my days at the oven, I can’t visit a city without a "dessert safari." I’m timing my trip to catch the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival. I expect to find enough cannoli and artisanal sweets to power me through 18 holes of walking.

• Chasing Spirits: You know I can’t resist a good ghost story. I’ve already booked a Candlelight Ghost Tour through Old City. If I see a colonial phantom, you’ll be the first to hear about it on the blog—likely right after I finish scrolling Facebook for the latest royal gossip.

• Garden Envy: May in Pennsylvania is peak bloom. I’m planning a quick escape to Longwood Gardens for their Festival of Fountains. I’ll be taking notes for my own garden at home, though I suspect mine will continue to look more "rugged" than "refined."

The Grand Adventure

My husband Mark—who has bravely navigated 102 countries with me—usually handles the heavy lifting, but this week, I’m the one on the ground. I’ll be bringing you the sights, the sounds, and the snacks from Aronimink all week long. Speaking of snacks, I wonder what Chef is cooking up this week?

So, stay tuned! Whether we’re discussing a record-breaking putt or the best cup of coffee in Philly, I promise to keep it relatable, and just a little bit spooky.

Have you ever been to Philly? What's your best insider tip? Let me know in the comments!