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.
