Cobbs Creek Golf Course is an historic public course in the heart of West Philadelphia that has served millions from the community over the last century. Before the Cobbs Creek Foundation signed a 70-year lease in 2021 to restore this historic golf campus, the City of Philadelphia considered it an abandoned asset.
HISTORIC PAST & BRIGHT FUTURE
1916
Designed by Hugh Wilson (of Merion Golf Club fame) and one of the first public golf courses allowing men and women of all ethnicities to play.
1940’s – 60’s
Home course to Hall of Famer, Charlie Sifford, and host to PGA and UGA tournaments.
1990’s – 2020
The slow demise of the golf course and facilities due to fire, flood, and lack of funding.
2022 – 26
Restore the course to its original design, build a new clubhouse, and create a championship golf destination to open in 2026, with TGR Learning Lab and Driving Range opening 2025.
PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
Cobbs Creek Design & Construction Committee apointed by GAP President, Robert W. Lesley – Marion
- Hugh I. Wilson – Merion
- George A. Crump – Pine Valley
- Albert “Ab” Smith – Huntingdon Valley
- George Klauder – Aronimink
- Franklin J. Meehan – North Hills
William S. Flynn – Merion – Construction Supervisor
A.W. Tillinghast – Advocate of Philadelphia public golf
“Eventually the Cobb’s Creek course became possible and Hugh Wilson, George Crump, Ab Smith and George Klauder offered to lay it out for the love of the game.”
