What’s it like when the opportunity of a lifetime becomes reality?

Just ask Alex Knoll.

Knoll will live out a lifelong dream when he tees off today at 12:17 p.m. EST in the 102nd the PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.

“It’s been an incredible three days so far,” said the Palmerton math teacher. “I’ve had a lot of emotions, but all of them have been positive.”

Knoll, who also coaches the Blue Bombers golf team with Mike Brennan, and is the head teaching professional at Glen Brook Golf Club in Stroudsburg, has savored every second of playing in one of golf’s majors.

“I got to play with Collin Morikawa, who is No. 12 in the world, yesterday; Adam Scott, a Masters champ; Steve Stricker, Ryder Cup captain; and Davis Love III, a PGA champ,” said Knoll. “Those guys are so awesome and nice to me; it’s just incredible to watch them play.

“I was hitting balls next to Brooks Koepka and Jordan Spieth this morning on the range, and it’s just been amazing to experience what these guys do week-in, and week-out, and just to say that I got the chance to do it.”

Knoll has hit the course early each day since his arrival, regularly playing 18 holes before going through nine on Wednesday. He’s also focused on his short game and putting in preparation for the tournament.

“I’ve put in a lot of good work,” said Knoll. “I feel like I’ve prepared as best I could for Thursday.

“I feel comfortable going into Thursday. I know it’s going to be difficult, but I have some confidence going in. If I can stick to the game plan that we’ve kind of made for me out here, I feel I can maybe do something.”

Knoll will tee off today at No. 10 in a group that includes Scott Piercy and Andrew Putnam.

“Absolutely, there are nerves,” he said. “Just being around some of these guys; just being on the property. But spending as much time as I have over these three days, I feel that on Thursday when I get to the first tee, I’m not going to be nervous.”

Knoll praised the health and safety measures that have been put in place for players at the course in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Sunday when we arrived, we had to take a swab COVID test to get on the property,” he said. “And then every day they do temperature checks. We’re wearing masks in highly populated areas. They’re doing the best they can to keep us safe, and they’re really doing a great job.”

So far, it’s been all Knoll could have ever imagined.

“I would say it’s all I’ve dreampt of, and everything I could have (dreamed) of and more,” he said. “Every person is so nice to us. They treat us like we’re a tour pro, like those guys, and everyone is just there doing their job, and we’re just doing our job.

“It’s an incredible feeling to feel like you’ve accomplished a career goal.”

Check out Friday’s Times News for an update on Knoll’s status after the first round at the PGA Championship.