Cobbs Creek Foundation Partners with the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) to Expand Access and Opportunity in Golf
Partnership will deliver new student pathways, expanded junior access and a slate of premier GAP championship events.
Photos Courtesy of Temple University's Special Collections Research Center
Philadelphia – The Cobbs Creek Foundation has partnered with the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) to provide support for the foundation’s revitalization project and enhance youth opportunities across the Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus. This partnership will expand accessibility to golf for players of all ages and abilities.
In addition to providing affordable tee times for junior golfers and adaptive golf programming, GAP will bring First Green STEM field trips to the course, offering elementary students hands-on learning in environmental science and turf management. GAP will also provide career-connected learning experiences, including future internship opportunities.
“For more than a century, GAP has been a steward of amateur golf, and we’re proud to deepen our partnership with an organization that helped shape the game in our region,” said Jeff Shanahan, president of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “At Cobbs Creek, we believe golf should be open, inclusive and accessible, and this collaboration brings that vision to life through youth programs, internships, championships and new pathways for players of all abilities.”
The partnership will offer students real-world experience across the Cobbs Creek campus through a range of programs:
Accessible and affordable tee times for junior golfers at the Q School, Cobbs Creek’s nine- hole short course, through GAP’s Youth on Course program, which provides affordable access to golf for 14,000 juniors within the GAP region.
Adaptive Golf programming, including clinics at the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, the two-story driving range on the Cobbs Creek campus, and a future edition of the GAP Adaptive Championship.
Field trips for First Green, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's STEM education outreach program that provides students access to golf courses as environmental learning labs. Students will test water quality, collect soil samples, identify plants and study ecology and environmental aspects of the Cobbs Creek green space
Educational and internship opportunities for students across the Cobbs Creek Campus,
including access to hands-on STEAM programming at the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning
Lab.
Future Championships touching all segments of GAP’s Membership, from adaptive to
juniors to women to the championship golfer.
“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will provide both Cobbs and GAP,” said Mark Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of GAP. “This collaboration creates a wonderful platform to advance individuals through education, career opportunities and camaraderie. Just as important, it highlights the value of public golf and the important role GAP plays in growing and supporting the game across the region. In addition, Cobbs’ graciousness in allowing the Association to conduct events for all ages, genders and skill levels in the coming years will give GAP members the opportunity to experience one of Philadelphia’s finest facilities.”
GAP’s history with the Cobbs Creek Golf Course dates to 1913, when GAP and the City of Philadelphia commissioned Hugh Wilson to design and build the course. When it opened three years later, it was soon considered one of the best public courses in the nation.
The GAP course rating team recently performed a USGA Course RatingTM and Slope Rating® at Cobbs Creek. When The Q School - the new nine-hole short course designed by TGR Design - opens this month on the Cobbs Creek campus, golfers will be able to post scores in the official GHIN golf handicap system.
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab on the Cobbs Creek campus provides free, year-round educational opportunities for local youth in grades 1-12, including STEAM courses, academic support, college prep and career-connected learning experiences.
Together with its partners, the Cobbs Creek Foundation is building Philadelphia’s newest amateur and professional sports venue — one rooted in excellence, access and a deep commitment to giving back to the community. GAP’s involvement strengthens this mission through innovative programming, championship events, and real-world learning opportunities for local students.
The Cobbs Creek Foundation is spearheading the larger revitalization of the historic public golf course and 350 acres of green space. The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, which houses the split-level driving range, pro shop and Little Horse Tavern restaurant, opened in December 2025. The Q School opens to the public later this month.
The Cobbs Creek campus will continue opening in phases with the championship 18-hole course set to reopen in 2027 and the nine-hole Karakung course set to open in 2028.
About Cobbs Creek Foundation
The Cobbs Creek Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 2018 to restore the Cobbs Creek Golf Course and to return the site to its status as one of Philadelphia's historic landmarks. In partnership with the City of Philadelphia, local schools and community members, the Foundation's mission is to create a state-of-the-art, economically sustainable golf and
educational campus that provides opportunity for the youth of Philadelphia by serving their academic, athletic, and social-emotional needs. To learn more, visit cobbscreek.org.
About Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP)
Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The Association’s 345 Member Clubs and 140,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.