See What We’re Building
We’re not just building a world-class golf course: we’re creating an educational and recreational campus of opportunity that will sustain itself for generations to come.
But first - we need your help to complete its transformation.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP OLDE COURSE
Legacy Meets
Modern Legends
The design of the Olde Course at Cobbs Creek’s boasts an extraordinary roster of some of the all-time greatest minds in golf architecture.
Originally engineered by the famed Merion East architect Hugh Wilson, Cobbs Creek also benefitted from the input of other notable figures from the Philadelphia School of Golf Architecture: George Crump, A.W. Tillinghast, George C. Thomas Jr., and William Flynn.
Today, those greats find their modern equals in Gil Hanse & Jim Wagner, partners at Hanse Design. The firm has led the effort on multiple high profile restorations around the globe, including but not limited to Oakmont, Winged Foot, Aronimink, and - our Hugh Wilson sister course - Merion.
But Cobbs Creek has a personal connection to both men.
Wagner grew up locally and regularly played Cobbs as a golfer at Cardinal O’Hara High School. A passionate proponent of the greatness of Philly golf, Hanse has long been based in the greater Philadelphia area - and stepped in to provide reshaping work pro-bono during some of the catastrophic flooding on the course in the early 2000s.
Using old photography and plans (where available) and drawing inspiration from Wilson’s work at Merion, the duo are returning the Olde Course to its former glory.
Jim Wagner shapes #2 green in his bulldozer. Wagner and Hanse are true artists - they shape each course obstacle themselves, with no more than a bulldozer and expert, artistic vision.
KARAKUNG
The New
Hanse 9
While the Olde Course returns to its roots, its neighboring course to the Southeast - Karakung - is getting a complete makeover.
A brand new take on a stunning piece of property, Hanse Design is reimagining Karakung through expansive wetlands, a beautiful bridge system, and a completely new layout that will challenge and amaze.
The new Hanse 9 nine is designed to complement the Olde Course - and provide a potential composite layout for future championship events.
OUR NEW CAMPUS
Between now and 2028, the Cobbs Creek Campus, propelled by philanthropy and partnerships, will come alive.
The Reservoir, a key component of our commitment to sustainability and smart management of resources is complete and opened in Spring 2024.
A
In May 2025, we began a massive environmental project within our project, restoring three miles of creek and adding more than 25 acres of floodplain wetlands.
B
The soul of our Campus, the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, opened in April 2025. Our year one goal is to serve 7,500 students in grades 1–12 and their families offering STEAM programming, career readiness, and college access programs.
C
The heart of our campus, a two-tier Driving Range Complex and Practice Facility is named for our Founding Partnership with Lincoln Financial. This central hub building opened December 2025 with the range, Pro Shop, and Little Horse Tavern, offering a the state of the art golf practice and entertainment space like nothing else in the city.
D
TGR-designed “Q School” short course and its Jordan B. Spieth Practice Green are complete and open to the public.
E
The Clubhouse (right) and Halfway House will anchor the Olde Course, open for golf in 2027.
F
A SEPTA bus stop on Lansdowne Avenue, combined with the nearby 69th Street Transportation Center, will ensure easier access to Campus.
G
Karakung will be transformed into a magnificent new Hanse-designed 9-hole course by 2028.
H
A PHASED APPROACH
Phase 1:
July 2023-April 2027
Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab (opened April 2025)
Lincoln Financial Center - Driving Range Complex (restaurant, community space, retail, Heritage Center; opened December 2025)
9-hole Short Course (opened April 2026)
Reservoir (opened Spring 2024)
Creek Restoration (began May 2025, will be completed spring 2027)
Phase 2:
April 2025-2028
18-hole Olde Course (began summer 2025, opening 2027)
Maintenance Facility
Cart Barn
Clubhouse
9-hole Karakung Course (opening 2028)
A Commitment to Our Land
Prior to project kickoff, years of neglect had exacerbated historical environmental challenges at Cobbs Creek. The surrounding communities suffered from flooding, poor water quality, and related public health concerns.
Our project includes the largest active mega-urban creek restoration, stretching along 3 miles of Cobbs Creek: creating 25 acres of new floodplain wetlands, new infrastructure for stormwater and habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
From creating water independence via the reservoir we opened in 2024 to the environmental lessons taking place in the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, we’re transforming Cobbs Creek into a place where community and nature thrive side by side.
200K
cu yards
of legacy, pollutant-contaminated sediment removed
25+
acres
of new wetlands created and protected
3+
miles
of waterway restored
22+
tons
of Total Nitrogen removed annually
WHO BENEFITS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION?
We applied data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency begins to show how many communities will benefit from our green work.
“One of the largest true process-based stream restoration projects (not an engineered system) in a mega-urban environment in the country.... Truly exceptional in size and quality for a large city and will be a showcase for what can be done to restore urban environments.”
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (DEP)
Generations of Impact
The environmental component of the Cobbs Creek project spans three phases: the completed erosion and sediment control and early habitat enhancement; large-scale earthwork that will regrade the floodplain and build an infrastructure for stormwater; and a final, crucial set of projects: the channel restoration for the creek, establishment of new wetlands, and complete reforestation and replanting. All of this work will be complete before summer 2027.
Careful planning and expert partnerships will ensure this work benefits future generations—providing safe and open green spaces and safeguarding the health of communities downstream.
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS
