A local Mobile area golf pro is headed to the PGA Championship this week at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia following his qualification last month in Bandon, Oregon.

Paul McClure, the head golf professional at RTJ Magnolia Grove in Mobile, will tee it up this Thursday morning after securing a top-20 spot at the PGA Professional Championship — a qualifier event for golf club professionals and teachers who are members of the PGA of America.

“Man sounds odd. I mean, it’s just because, you know, you have no Korn Ferry starts, no PGA starts. But I’m gonna go play in the major. So it’s a little odd, but you know, just kind of take it for what it is and, just go play my best,” McClure said on the feat in a story for WKRG.

By making the PGA Championship, McClure is going to get the chance to test his game against some of the best players in the world, including major champions who have won at high rates for years, and some of the true legends of the game.

Ahead of what is going to be the biggest challenge of his playing career, he’s just trying to enjoy the experience.

“Sounds crazy. I’m teeing up with those guys, but, just going out there, just kind of not focus on them as much and trying to keep my head down and, you know, just play as best as I can and try not to be distracted by the crowds and the fame and the players and all that,” McClure continued.

McClure will tee off on Thursday around 8:00 a.m. CST alongside two players from the European DP World Tour in Mikael Lindberg and Angel Ayora.