A heartfelt tribute to Dr. Charlie Sifford was celebrated at Cobbs Creek with the opening of the Little Horse Tavern Restaurant in Philadelphia, honoring a pioneer whose legacy forever changed the game of golf. Dr. Sifford, often called the father of African American golf, broke racial barriers in the 1960s by becoming the first Black golfer to earn full PGA Tour membership, opening doors that had long been closed to players of color.
The Little Horse Tavern, a full-service restaurant, bar, and event space named in honor of Charlie “Little Horse” Sifford, officially opened on Monday, December 15. The $150 M restoration project was overseen by the Fitler Club and Strother Enterprises and represents a modern gathering place rooted in deep historical meaning. The tavern features a full bar, including beer, wine, and nine specialty cocktails. One standout is “Rose Is a Rose,” named after Sifford’s wife, a floral spritz made with gin, honey, lemon, sparkling rosé wine, and a dash of rose water, garnished with an expressed lemon twist and dehydrated rose buds.
Cobbs Creek Golf Course holds a special place in African American history and American golf. Opened in 1916, it was the nation’s first municipally owned golf course and one of the few places where Black golfers could play during segregation. Generations of African American players sharpened their skills at Cobbs Creek, including Sifford, who developed his game there before challenging golf’s color line. The course became a symbol of access, opportunity, and quiet resistance at a time when exclusion was the norm.
The tavern is housed in a new building on Lansdowne Avenue known as the Lincoln Financial Center and sits next to a heated, 68-bay driving range similar to Topgolf, with buckets of balls starting at $10. Nearby is a nine-hole short course designed for beginners and families, reinforcing Cobbs Creek’s legacy as a welcoming entry point to the game. Looking ahead, the fully renovated 18-hole championship-level course, known as the Olde Course, is expected to open in 2027.
Together, the tribute to Dr. Sifford, the Little Horse Tavern, and the revitalization of Cobbs Creek honor the past while creating an inclusive future, ensuring that the story of African Americans in golf continues to be told where it truly began. For more information call +1 267-900-3740 or visit Cobbs Creek Golf Course, 7400 Lansdowne Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151. Website: https://www.cobbscreekgolf.org/
