Dorothy Iona Campbell (1883 – 1945), the first internationally dominant female golfer. Also known as Dorothy Hurd and Dorothy Howe. Won over 700 titles during her career. Died in a railway accident when she failed to notice an oncoming train. Date: 1909
When Cobbs Creek opened in 1916, the list of things women couldn’t do was much longer than the list of things they could. Vote. Own property if they were married. Keep their maiden name. Wear pants in public. (Yes, really).
Women were, however, always welcome to a game of golf at Cobbs Creek. “Playing like a girl” was a badge of honor here from the very start.
In 1926, Cobbs Creek hosted a Women’s Exhibition Match, featuring World-Renowned amateur golfer, Dorothy Campbell Hurd. She, along with Mrs. Raymond Slotter, played against Mrs. Ronald Barlow and Miss Catherine Hutchinson. The accomplished foursome was refereed by none other than Amateur Champ, J. Wood Platt and Public Links Champ, Joe Coble. It was considered by many to be a “Ladies Day”, so men were expected to yield front row spots to women around the greens and to be on their best behavior. The unique match attracted around 2,500 spectators on a beautiful Summer day and was reported on by several local newspapers. The Hurd-Slotter duo ended the day on top, with a 3-2 victory. Each of the players, having never played Cobbs before, had glowing praise for the course. “It is the first time I ever played here. I have heard so much about the natural beauty and advantages of the course that I always wanted to play it. It is wonderful,” said Mrs. Barlow. And from Miss Hutchinson, “It is what you might call, ‘well creeked’.” Truer words have never been spoken!
The day was a great success, not only for Women in Golf, but for the campaign for more public golf courses. At the time, Cobbs Creek was the only public golf course in Philadelphia. The foursome was very enthusiastic about the movement; Mrs. Campbell Hurd said, “There ought to be more public courses like this one in Philadelphia”. The President of the Philadelphia Municipal Golf Association was appreciative of the support, as were the attendees.
Cobbs Creek’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity from the outset made it a locale for trailblazers, like these four women. Although times have changed, our dedication to making Cobbs a space for everyone remains integral to our mission.