Cobbs Creek Foundation on Track for Restoration of Cobbs Creek Golf Course

In June 2018, the Philadelphia City Council voted unanimously to award the historic golf course to the Cobbs Creek Foundation. The lease of the golf property is expected to commence in 2021.

The Cobbs Creek Foundation’s vision is to create a new public course facility that rivals top public courses in other major cities, such as Bethpage State Park in New York, and Harding Park in San Francisco while maintaining affordable access to local residents.

The Foundation’s mission is to rehabilitate the historic landmark with a comprehensive floodplain restoration plan, create a youth-based community education program, celebrate the important cultural history of the course, and perpetuate philanthropic sustainability for years to come.

“The decision to temporarily close Cobbs Creek while the leases are transferred and the agreements are finalized was expected, and the Foundation remains excited about the future of our project. Together with designers Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, and partners such as Troon, we are creating something special at Cobbs Creek that will greatly benefit community residents and enhance West Philadelphia.”

Chris Maguire, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board

Opened in 1916, Cobbs Creek was once one of the finest public courses in the United States. It hosted the 1928 U.S. Public Links Championship and the 1936 and 1947 United Golfers Association Championships. The 1947 event was won by Howard Wheeler over Philadelphian Charlie Sifford, who 20 years later became the first African-American to play in a PGA TOUR event. The 1955 and 1956 Philadelphia Daily News Opens also were played at the West Philadelphia layout.

Considered the crown jewel of Philadelphia city courses for nearly 50 years, the course has fallen on hard times due to maintenance and flooding issues.