The historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course in Philadelphia has officially reopened, marking a new era with the launch of a state-of-the-art driving range, a full-service restaurant, and a community-centric event space. This revitalization effort aims to attract both golfers and local residents back to the course, which has a rich history spanning over a century.
The Cobbs Creek Foundation introduced the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, featuring a two-story driving range equipped with 68 Toptracer practice bays. Among these, 20 heated bays are available for reservations, allowing for year-round golfing. The facility also includes a pro shop and a restaurant named The Little Horse Tavern, which serves a menu of classic golf course fare.
Jeff Shanahan, President of the Cobbs Creek Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the center’s opening, stating that the foundation’s mission focuses on bringing people back to the historic grounds. The project is significantly supported by a partnership with Lincoln Financial Group, which became a founding sponsor of the nonprofit foundation in March 2024. This collaboration aims to foster community education, mentorship, and networking initiatives at the Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus.
In a statement, John Kennedy, Chief Distribution and Brand Officer at Lincoln Financial, described the facility as a year-round destination for golf, dining, and community events. The driving range operates daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with food and beverages available for order directly to the practice bays, enhancing the overall experience.
The Little Horse Tavern, a joint endeavor involving the Cobbs Creek Foundation, Fitler Club, and Strother Enterprises, offers a diverse menu featuring burgers, fries, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and cocktails. It opens each day from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., welcoming both reservations and walk-ins.
Atop the Lincoln Financial Center, a spacious event venue named 1916 by Fitler Club is now available for meetings, private events, and community gatherings. This name commemorates the year Cobbs Creek Golf Course first opened to the public, further connecting the new facilities with the course’s storied past.
In addition to these developments, the Q School Short Course is set to open, weather permitting. This new nine-hole layout, designed by TGR Design, the architectural firm led by Tiger Woods, aims to introduce newcomers to golf while providing seasoned players a space to hone their skills.
Chris Parker, General Manager of the Cobbs Creek campus, encouraged the community to visit, saying, “This winter, we’re inviting Philly to come out to Cobbs Creek — hit some balls, try our new short course, bring friends, share a meal, and experience what we’re building here.”
The Cobbs Creek Foundation is in the process of raising $180 million to restore and revitalize the historic golf course. The restoration of the 18-hole championship course, led by architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, is currently underway, with an anticipated opening in 2027. The overall campus is managed by Troon, a global golf and hospitality services firm.
This revitalization represents a significant step in enhancing Cobbs Creek Golf Course as a premier destination for both golf and community engagement, aiming to serve Philadelphians for generations to come.