Lincoln Financial Center opens at Cobbs Creek, marking milestone in golf course revival

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek officially opened to the public on Monday, marking a major step in the ongoing revitalization of the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philadelphia.

Community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the partnership between the Cobbs Creek Foundation and Lincoln Financial. The opening of the 42-thousand-square-foot complex launches the first full season of golf at Cobbs Creek since restoration efforts began.

"It is built by the community and for the community. We are so happy that folks can come back and play golf again at Cobbs Creek," said Erin Cook of the Cobbs Creek Foundation.

The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek includes a pro shop, a restaurant, an event space and a world-class golf practice facility. Golfers and guests were seen testing the range and exploring the new amenities during the celebration.

"I've seen a lot of golf courses, but I've never seen the driving range look like this one," said Charlie Sifford Jr.

Organizers say the partnership continues the broader mission of Cobbs Creek to serve the surrounding neighborhood while honoring the site's history.

Cook told Action News, "This golf course was built in 1916, and it was open, public, and accessible to everyone. It was one of the first golf courses that was open to people of color and women."

The facility also includes the Smilow/Woodland TGR Learning Lab, backed by Tiger Woods.

"We are so thrilled that we can invite students for educational programming and everybody to come play golf," Cook said.

The lab has already served more than 7,000 kids.

Visitors can also eat at The Little Horse Tavern, a restaurant located inside the center and named for golf trailblazer Charlie Sifford.

"Little Horse" was Sifford's PGA Tour nickname.

"Tiger Woods called Charlie Sifford 'Grandpa Charlie,' and Charlie Sifford was the first African American to play and win on the PGA Tour," Cook said.

Sifford Jr., who traveled from Ohio for the opening, told Action News the moment held deep personal meaning for his family, and Cobbs Creek held a special place in his father's heart.

"Tiger went through some of the same things that my father did, you know, when he was a younger kid, until he got to be recognized as one of the best junior players, junior and amateur players," Sifford Jr. said.

He went on to say that Monday's opening is, "A sign that people are starting to recognize what my father had to go through to get to where he was to become a professional golfer."

The short course and driving range have been open for several months, and community members are already responding positively as the first full golf season gets underway.