Cobbs Creek Golf Course, established in 1916 in Philadelphia, is one of the city’s most historic and celebrated public golf courses. It was groundbreaking for its inclusivity, welcoming golfers of all backgrounds, races, and genders at a time when segregation was the norm in American golf. It garnered a reputation as the “great uniter” where golfers of all races could play together harmoniously.  The course has played a significant role in both the local community and the broader history of the sport.

The entrance to the course is on State Road/Lansdowne Avenue (Old Route 1) in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia.  There’s another entrance on current Route 1, Township Line Road.

Historical Significance

• A Locus For Black Golfers: Cobbs Creek was a hub for Black golfers in Philadelphia, serving as a home course for many who were excluded from private clubs because of the color of their skin.  The PGA shunned Black golf professionals, and in 1934 inserted a clause in its constitution barring non-Caucasian membership. Lee Elder played at Cobbs Creek, as did boxing champ Joe Louis.
• Architectural Heritage: Designed by Hugh Wilson , also known for Merion Golf Club, with contributions from other renowned architects such as A.W. Tillinghast and George C. Thomas Jr., members of the Philadelphia School of Golf Architecture 
• Cultural Impact: Cobbs Creek was the home course of Hall of Famer Charlie Sifford, known as the “Jackie Robinson of Golf”  because he was the first Black golfer to play in a PGA Tour event. Sifford has described the Cobbs Creek course as a rare place where Black and white golfers could play side by side. Arnold Palmer shot a 64 as a rookie in the 1955 Canadian Open on National TV, a fabulous score equaling the course record. Palmer was sure he had bested the field, but above his name read one other. “Charlie Sifford?” he said to no one in particular. “How on earth did Charlie Sifford shoot a 63?” “Same way you shot a 64, chief. Except I did you one better.” Palmer turned and saw the thirty-three-year-old Sifford standing behind him. There the two men met for the first time—the most popular white and black golfers of their generation.  They remained lifelong friends.
• Major Events: Hosted the 1928 USGA Public Links Championship, United Golfers Association Championship for Black golfers, and two PGA Tour events; the Philadelphia Daily News Open in 1955 and 1956, with Charlie Sifford competing.

Decline and Closure

By the 2000s, Cobbs Creek suffered from neglect, flooding, and crime, leading to its closure in 2020 after years of disrepair5. The clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 2016, and the property became a site for illegal dumping.

Restoration and Revitalization

A major restoration project, led by the nonprofit Cobbs Creek Foundation and supported by philanthropists and Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation, is underway. The Foundation was formed in 2018, signing a 70-year lease in 2021 to restore the course and transform it into a multi-faceted community campus.  The project aims to restore and modernize the course while preserving its historic legacy and enhancing community impact.

Key Features of the Revitalization:

• Restored Old Course: The original 18-hole championship course, restored by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, is set to reopen in 2026, capable of hosting PGA Tour events.
• Karakung Course: The adjoining course will be revived as a 9-hole layout.
• TGR Learning Lab: A 30,000-square-foot facility for youth education, STEM learning, after-school programs, and career development, opening in 2025.
• Practice Facilities: A two-story driving range and short course, featuring Toptracer technology for advanced analytics and entertainment.
• Community Focus: Tiered pricing for local residents, programs supporting young golfers, and partnerships with local schools and organizations.
• Environmental Improvements: Restoration includes creek mediation, wetlands expansion, and flood mitigation, overseen by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers.

Community and Legacy

Redeveloped Cobbs Creek will be more than a golf course—it is envisioned as a community and educational hub, aiming to serve over a quarter-million annual visitors and to provide transformative opportunities for Philadelphia youth The project is seen as a national model for using golf as a lever for societal change.

Notable Recognition

• Inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 2021 for its role in advancing diversity in golf.
• The restoration project is widely regarded as one of the most important in American golf today, blending history, community, and innovation.

What to Expect in the Future

• 2025: Opening of the TGR Learning Lab and new practice facilities.
• 2026: Reopening of the restored Old Course.
• Ongoing: Expanded educational programming, community events, and economic opportunities for West Philadelphia and beyond.

Conclusion

Cobbs Creek Golf Course stands as a testament to Philadelphia’s golfing heritage, a beacon for inclusivity, and a forward-looking community asset poised for a new era.

Pro tips:

1. When you’ve finished your round, head down Route 1 to the Llanerch Diner!
2. Follow Cobbs Creek downstream to visit the Mount Moriah Cemetery.