During the week of May 11 – 17, nearly 200,000 guests attended the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. As the official catering partner of the 2026 PGA Championship, Delaware North’s Patina Group developed and delivered an all-inclusive food and beverage program that helped shape the guest experience through the innovative Championship+ ticket model. Read on to discover what it is like to work the 2026 PGA Championship with Delaware North’s Patina Group.
How does Patina Group elevate the hospitality experience?
Elevating the hospitality experience at the 2026 PGA Championship was built into the Championship+ ticket, connecting guests with innovative offerings. Eric, Vice President, PGA of America and Experiential Events, Patina Group, shared that the Championship+ ticket “represents the most comprehensive and welcoming food and beverage strategy in professional sports, demonstrating that exceptional hospitality should be accessible to everyone.” David Charles, PGA of America Senior Director of Championships shared that “PGA of America are proud to partner with Patina Group to redefine what hospitality means at a major sporting event.”
The unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages available throughout the grounds enabled Patina Group to create an elevated guest experience. Eric expressed, “our commitment extends well beyond simply serving food and drinks. We aim to foster an atmosphere where every attendee experiences the event as a VIP.” This hospitality experience was recognized by media outlets including Sports Business Journal, Sports Illustrated, Axios, Philadelphia Business Journal, and ESPN. The team delivered that experience at an impressive scale, serving more than 103,000 cheeseburgers, 50,000 grilled chicken sandwiches, 33,000 breakfast sandwiches, 65,000 hot dogs, 165,000 bags of chips, and 440,000 bottles of water.
Collaborative teams on a Championship scale
Ambitious offerings at large scale events are only possible because of the teams behind them. Throughout the week, Patina Group’s culinary and operations teams managed 10 hospitality villages and four on-course markets. These areas were supported by more than 800 hourly team members and over 165 experienced managers. Team members from other divisions and regions also came to support the event, including Chefs from Lambeau Field, Patina Orlando restaurants, and Wembley Stadium in the U.K. Patina Group also has a leadership team of 16 year-round Operations Managers who focus on quality, efficiency, and guest service. Together, their collective experience created a unified partnership and ensured a consistent, seamless guest experience throughout the week
How did Patina Group showcase the flavors of Philadelphia?
An important part of the 2026 PGA Championship premium culinary experience was regional partnerships and locally sourced food. Guests enjoyed products and ingredients from Philadelphia favorites and local suppliers, including Wawa, LeBus Bakery, Isgro Pastries, Dutch Gold Honey, Gosia’s Pierogies, and Third Wheel Cheese Company.
Menus across premium hospitality spaces showcased dishes inspired by the region, including Amish-style chicken pot pie, meatloaf with Kennett Square mushroom gravy, and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. The culinary teams took the opportunity to provide guests with dining experiences that also celebrate the culture of the Philadelphia.
Be part of the team creating memorable moments for guests
All team members played a critical role in bringing the event to life. From Chefs preparing breakfast before sunrise, to Event Support Attendants managing logistics, and Hosts welcoming guests into hospitality spaces, every role contributed to the success of the event.
At Delaware North, we’re always looking for team members who are passionate about hospitality. Whether you are motivated by guest service, culinary, operations, or another area of our business, you’ll find a range of job opportunities and the chance to create memorable experiences at iconic events and locations.
