The Revival of Cobbs Creek

Good morning,

When you think of Philadelphia golf, Merion, Aronimink, and Pine Valley come to mind. In a few years? Cobbs Creek will be on that list.

Cobbs Creek Golf Course, a historic public links in West Philadelphia, embodies the inclusive spirit of golf. When we talk about growing the game, Cobbs Creek has done just that for its entire existence. Designed in 1916 by Hugh Wilson (Merion), it welcomed players of all backgrounds, including Charlie Sifford. Decades of neglect led to flooding, and a 2016 clubhouse fire which all but destroyed its glory and historical significance.

Now, a $150 million restoration is reviving its classical design, setting a standard for growing golf with purpose and authenticity.

Efforts to restore Cobbs Creek began quietly in 2007 with requests for historical aerials, signaling early interest. By 2010, Chris Lange’s involvement gave the project momentum. A landmark moment came in June 2018 when Philadelphia’s City Council approved a 30-year lease (later extended to 70 years), for $1 to the Cobbs Creek Restoration and Community Foundation. Charged with raising $20 million in private funds, supported by a $1.5 million insurance payout from the fire, the foundation tackled a complex planning phase.

Environmental challenges loomed large. Flooding from Cobbs Creek required extensive stream restoration, and securing permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection took years of effort. Community concerns over tree removal prompted revisions, earning the city’s Art Commission approval in November 2022. Construction launched in spring 2023, a triumph of dogged persistence.

Architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner lead the restoration(!), reviving Wilson’s 1916 vision for the 18-hole Olde Course, set to reopen in 2026. Their work emphasizes strategic design—natural bunkers, open fairways—that defined golf’s golden age, while ensuring PGA Tour readiness. A new nine-hole Karakung Course complements this effort, blending timeless aesthetics with modern playability. This approach celebrates golf’s heritage, offering a course both challenging and inviting.

The Cobbs Creek golf course and learning center will redefine how to grow the game. It is the gold standard and prototype for any growth-oriented golf facility moving forward. The game currently lacks infrastructure to properly onboard the millions of new players each year, but the learning facility funded by the Tiger Woods’ foundation will provide STEM education and mentorship for West Philadelphia youth.

A short course and Toptracer-equipped driving range, debuting in September 2025, welcome beginners. Affordable pricing ensures access, while a projected 130 jobs and 250,000 annual visitors drive economic growth.

The project, now having raised $150 million from an initial $65 million due to expanded scope, progresses toward 2027 completion. A $250,000 Jordan Spieth Family Foundation grant supports a junior putting green. Cobbs Creek’s revival fuses classical design with inclusive innovation, proving golf can uplift communities and inspire globally.

The project has started to gain widespread attention, evidenced by Golf Channel’s 3 part documentary highlighting the work being done in West Philadelphia. I highly recommend it.

In 2001, Annika Sörenstam shot a 59 during the second round of the Standard Register PING tournament, becoming the first woman to break 60 in an LPGA event. She carded 13 birdies, including 8 in a row.

A nuanced one today, as I noticed it on Sunday watching old Tommy Fleetwood collapse. Never stand directly behind someone that is putting on your line, and always keep your distance. I think Keegan did an excellent job staying at about 9 o’clock while Tommy yipped that last putt. I’d go as far as maybe 10 o’clock, but always 10/15 feet back. Respect your playing partners.

Awesome drone footage of the aptly-named “Cliffhanger” par 3 6th at Greywolf Golf Course.

Deep in the rolling hills of New Jersey sits Mountain Ridge Country Club, an elite and under-the-radar gem with a rich pedigree. Designed by Donald Ross in 1929, the course winds gracefully through the land without a hint of artificiality. It’s a club for the serious player; it’s quiet, immaculately kept, and intentionally private.

Mountain Ridge played host to the 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, revealing its brilliance to a wider audience for the first time in nearly a century. The membership remains small and discreet, a reflection of the club’s ethos: prestige without performance. Its understated clubhouse and lack of self-promotion stand in contrast to louder peers, but insiders know—it’s one of the finest pure golf experiences in the country. Ross would be proud.

Great clubs don’t advertise. Neither do great newsletters.

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Talk soon,

BTG