VOL 27 ISSUE 20, May 18, 2026
Main caption: Delaware North CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. (third from right) attended the 2026 PGA Championship, last week at Aronimink Golf Club, where Patina Group and team members from across the organization supported the divisions all-inclusive hospitality program for nearly 200,000 guests. Pictured with Jacobs (left to right) are John Kolaski (JK), president of Patina Group; Stephanie Edens, vice president of catering and events, Patina Group; Philip Potthoff, vice president of premium hospitality, Delaware North; Eric Babcook, vice president of operations and experiential events for Patina Group; and Jamie Obletz, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Delaware North.
Much like every Patina Group leader and team member onsite for the 2026 PGA Championship, Eric Babcook arrived at the golf course in the pre-dawn hours on the event’s final day. He couldn’t help but take a moment to reflect.
“I had one of those moments very early Sunday morning where you just stop and take it all in,” said Babcook, vice president of operations and experiential events for Patina Group. “It’s pretty incredible to be part of a team that shows up like this year after year – the early mornings, the long days – it just becomes what we do. Six years ago, golf hospitality was new for us. It’s incredible to see how our team continues to raise the bar in all aspects of these events year to year.”
Patina Group, the official catering partner of the PGA Championship for the PGA of America, successfully delivered its all-inclusive hospitality program for the 2026 tournament at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia – serving approximately 200,000 attendees over May 11-17. The core Patina Group leadership team responsible for delivering at PGA of America events includes Stephanie Edens, vice president of catering and events; Babcook; Ali DenDanto, assistant general manager; Suzanne Federline, senior director of operations; Ed Milan, executive chef; Colleen Zielinski, executive sous chef; Molly Moretti, premium food and beverage manage; and Brittni Browne, human resources manager.
Across the championship grounds, Patina teams executed a large-scale, high-touch operation that combined elevated menus with seamless, high-volume service. The program featured 10 hospitality villages and four on-course markets, supported by more than 800 local hourly team members and over 165 managers.
Guests experienced a fully inclusive approach to food and non-alcoholic beverages, with menus highlighting regional flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Fan-favorite items and signature offerings were served in significant volumes throughout the week, underscoring both the scale and precision of the operation.
Media outlets across the region and industry featured the hospitality program, including Sports Business Journal, Sports Illustrated, Axios, Philadelphia Business Journal and ESPN.
Delaware North and Patina Group teams also captured behind-the-scenes footage and on-the-ground perspectives from the event.