Delaware County's own Braden Shattuck, the reigning Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year, is stepping onto one of golf's biggest stages - and this time, it's happening just 45 minutes from home.

As the PGA Championship arrives at Aronimink with 156 of the world's best players, Shattuck is embracing the rare chance to compete in a major in his own backyard.

Shattuck says the short commute will help him stay grounded, giving him space to decompress between rounds.

This marks his third PGA Championship, but the local setting makes this one feel different. He's eager for the field to take on a classic Northeast test, confident the course will challenge even the most seasoned pros.

The hometown support will be impossible to miss.

RELATED | PGA Championship: Practice rounds begin in Delaware County ahead of weeklong golf event

PGA Championship: Practice rounds begin in Delaware County ahead of weeklong golf event

Shattuck spent part of Monday sorting out tickets for a large group of family members - many of whom aren't even big sports fans - but he's excited to see their reactions as they watch him compete on one of golf's grandest stages.

He also knows the Philly crowd will be firmly in his corner.

While some players might find the city's famously passionate fans intimidating, Shattuck welcomes the energy. He's used to Philly intensity - and he's hoping it gives him an edge.

Aronimink Golf Club and Delaware County are preparing for a global audience this week as the PGA Championship gets underway, drawing the world's top golfers and nearly 200,000 spectators.

Practice rounds begin Monday morning.

Tens of thousands of fans will be visiting this week to see some of the greatest names in golf compete for the Wanamaker Trophy.

Action News got a sneak peek of the event.

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"We still talk about having the PGA Championship here in 1962 when most of us weren't even born yet," said Andrew Panzo, president of Aronimink Golf Club. "We're on the international stage."

The tournament marks the start of a jam-packed summer of major events for the Philadelphia region, including the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game and celebrations tied to America's 250th anniversary.

"It's a chance for us to really roll out the red carpet and welcome all these visitors now and throughout the whole summer," said Larry Needle, executive director of PHL Sports, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"I'd venture to say maybe the greatest span of sporting events that any city has seen over a 4-month period," he added.

The PGA Championship alone is expected to generate about $125 million for the region. It is the first time the area has hosted one of golf's four major tournaments since the U.S. Open in 2013 at Merion Golf Club.

"The locals have supported this event and I should say everybody in the Philadelphia region has supported this so well that we've sold out all of our championship rounds," said Jackie Endsley, PGA Championship director. She noted that limited tickets remain for Monday through Wednesday and warned that parking is "very limited," urging visitors to use public transportation via SEPTA or the event's rideshare program.

There are still verified resale tickets available via Seat Geek, the PGA of America's official resale ticket provider.

Full spectator transportation, parking and road closure information is available on the PGA Championship spectator guide.

SEPTA is adding several trips each day on the Paoli/Thorndale Line, and a complimentary shuttle will run from the Paoli station. Practice rounds continue through Wednesday, with tournament play scheduled from Thursday through Sunday.