About Cobbs Creek
Cobbs Creek Golf Course, established in 1916 in Philadelphia, is one of the city’s most historic and celebrated public courses. Cobbs Creek has long been a hub for golfers of all backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and community engagement in the sport. The recent revitalization project aims to restore the course’s historical legacy while modernizing facilities, enhancing environmental sustainability, and creating new opportunities for youth education and community programs. Cobbs Creek Golf is dedicated to fostering a love of golf, preserving its rich heritage, and contributing to the vibrant fabric of the Philadelphia community.
Exciting developments are underway at Cobbs Creek Golf Course. In 2025, the new TGR Learning Lab, dedicated to educational enrichment and career development for youth, will open its doors, providing innovative learning experiences for the community. Additionally, a state-of-the-art practice facility featuring Toptracer technology will enhance the golfing experience with advanced analytics and entertainment options. In 2026, the historic Olde Course will reopen, carefully restored to recapture its original design and playing experience. These enhancements will offer a truly welcoming golf and education campus for golfers, students, and visitors, reinforcing Cobbs Creek’s role as a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s community and culture.
Golf Professional Team
General Manager – Christopher Parker
With over 20 years in the golf industry, Parker relocated to Philadelphia from West Orange, New Jersey to lead operations of Cobbs Creek Golf Campus. Prior to joining the Cobbs Creek team he was the general manager at Rock Spring Golf Club since 2019. Before Rock Spring, he worked as the golf business manager for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, developing programs and plans for three golf facilities. From 2012 to 2016, Parker served in both golf operations and food and beverage services at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C.
Parker expressed enthusiasm about his new role at Cobbs Creek, highlighting the positive impact the Cobbs Creek Foundation and Troon’s work will have on the Philadelphia community.
A former college golfer at Johnson C. Smith University and a coach for the Golden Bulls, Parker grew up working at his family’s golf course. Jeff Shanahan, President of the Cobbs Creek Foundation, praised Parker’s extensive experience and knowledge, noting that it will greatly benefit the Foundation’s goal of making golf more accessible in Philadelphia.
Golf Course Superintendent – Ben Dewan
Ben Dewan is the Golf Course Superintendent at Cobbs Creek, where he is responsible for the agronomy department of Cobbs Creek Golf Campus. With a strong background in turf management and agronomy, Dewan’s role involves overseeing the daily agronomic operations of the golf course, implementing sustainable practices, and enhancing the overall aesthetics and playability.
Prior to joining the Cobbs Creek team in September of 2021, Dewan was the East Course superintendent and Assistant Superintendent at iconic Merion Golf Club. Both roles spanned from 2017 to 2022. Prior to his tenure at Merion, Dewan was on Greens Department at Muirfield Village Golf Club from 2013 through 2017.
Dewan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Turf and Turfgrass management from State University of New York at Delhi. Dewans dedication to excellence in golf course agronomy and turf sciences contribute greatly to the experiences for all at the Cobbs Creek Golf Campus
Olde Course Superintendent – Parker Andrew
Pat Andrews graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Turf Grass Science. During his time at Ohio State, he completed four internships at renowned locations: Bob O’Link in Chicago (2019), Merion Golf Club in Philadelphia (2020), where he worked under Ben Dewan as an intern, Vineyard Golf Club in Martha’s Vineyard (2021), and Muirfield Village in Columbus (2020-2022).
Following graduation, Pat completed a six-month internship at Adare Manor in Ireland, followed by another six-month internship at Tara Iti in New Zealand. Throughout this journey, he documented his experiences on Turfnet, sharing insights and knowledge with the turfgrass community. In April 2023, Pat took on the role of Olde Course Superintendent at Cobbs Creek, continuing to work under the guidance of his mentor, Ben Dewan.
