Online reservations now available for state-of-the-art driving range bays
Philadelphia – The Cobbs Creek Foundation this week unveiled a two-story driving range and golf entertainment center, The Little Horse Tavern restaurant, and the Cobbs Creek Pro Shop, all located on the grounds of the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course.
The launch marks the completion of the three-story Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek and the next phase of reopening the Cobbs Creek Golf Course to the public. Lincoln Financial became a founding sponsor of the nonprofit Cobbs Creek Foundation in March 2024 – a partnership that will further the development of community education, networking and mentorship programs at the Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus.
Reservations for Toptracer practice bays are available now, with walk-ins also welcome.
The Little Horse Tavern restaurant, also in the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, is accepting reservations through littlehorsetavern.com/reservations. The Little Horse Tavern is a collaboration between the Cobbs Creek Foundation, Fitler Club and Strother Enterprises, with Fitler Club and Strother serving as food and beverage providers for the campus.
Parties and community events can also be booked in 1916 by Fitler Club, the event space on the top floor of the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek.
“We’re incredibly excited that the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek is open to the public,” said Jeff Shanahan, president of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “While our work here is not done, bringing golfers and Philadelphians back to this historic campus has always been at the heart of our mission. We are thrilled to welcome visitors here.”
“As part of our long-term partnership with the Cobbs Creek Foundation, we are proud to see the doors open at the new Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek,” said John Kennedy, Chief Distribution and Brand Officer, Lincoln Financial. “It’s an honor to have our name associated with a space that brings together year-round activities like a driving range, restaurant, entertainment venue and pro shop to support the Cobbs Creek Foundation and its transformative mission for the community.”
The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, 7403 Lansdowne Ave, features:
· A two-story practice range with 68 state-of-the-art Toptracer bays (including 20 heated bays available for reservations) and food and beverage service. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with walk-ins welcome.
· The Little Horse Tavern, a neighborhood restaurant and bar featuring golf course classics like burgers and fries, wood-fired pizzas, salads, cocktails, and sharable items. Hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily. To reserve a table, go to littlehorsetavern.com/reservations. Walk-ins are also available.
· Food and drinks can be ordered directly to driving range bays, with dedicated seating at each bay for a relaxed, on-range dining and drinking experience.
· A pro shop featuring Cobbs Creek apparel, gear and other items for golfers and Cobbs Creek history enthusiasts. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
· 1916 by Fitler Club, a 200+ person community event/banquet space on the top floor. Named after the year Cobbs Creek Golf Course opened to the public, this space is available for meetings, holiday parties and more. To request an event, go to fitlerclub.tripleseat.com/party_request/45845
Also open now, weather permitting: the Q School Short Course, a new 9-hole short course by TGR Design, Tiger Woods’ golf course design firm. The course was named by Frank Quattrone and Denise Foderaro, who supported the construction of the course through a generous gift. The Q School is an entry point for golfers of all ages and abilities and is designed to introduce new players to the game, while also creating a venue for accomplished players to hone their iron play and short game. Limited tee times will be offered on good weather days.
“This winter, we’re inviting Philly to come out to Cobbs Creek – hit some balls, try our new short course, bring friends, share a meal, and experience what we’re building here,” said Chris Parker, general manager of the Cobbs Creek campus. “This project will have a lasting impact on our city and our region, and we’re excited to share this next step with the community.”
The Cobbs Creek Foundation is raising $180 million to restore and revitalize the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, with the remainder of the project set to open in phases. The Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner-led restoration of the 18-hole championship course is underway with an opening planned for 2027.
The Cobbs Creek Golf Campus is managed by Troon®, the global leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Cobbs Creek Golf Course, located in West Philadelphia, opened in 1916 and was the first municipally owned golf course in the United States. From its earliest years, it stood apart because it offered public access at a time when most private clubs excluded Black golfers through formal and informal segregation.
During the Jim Crow era, Cobbs Creek became one of the few places where African Americans could play golf regularly, compete, and develop their skills. While discrimination still existed in many aspects of society, Cobbs Creek functioned as a rare inclusive space where Black golfers could tee it up alongside white players. This access proved crucial, as it allowed generations of African Americans to learn the game, practice consistently, and build competitive confidence.
Cobbs Creek is especially important in the development of Black professional golfers. Legends such as Charlie Sifford, who later broke the PGA Tour’s color barrier, played and honed their games at Cobbs Creek. The course became a proving ground for elite Black talent at a time when the PGA of America enforced a “Caucasian-only” clause that barred African Americans from most professional opportunities.
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.
