PHILADELPHIA, PA — Golf balls are flying again at Cobbs Creek as a sweeping new chapter opened this week at the city’s storied public course, marked by the debut of a high-tech driving range, a full-service restaurant, and a community-focused event space designed to draw Philadelphians back to the historic grounds.
The Cobbs Creek Foundation unveiled a two-story driving range and golf entertainment center, The Little Horse Tavern restaurant, and a pro shop at the newly completed Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, signaling the next major phase in the long-anticipated revival of the century-old golf course.
The three-story center at 7403 Lansdowne Ave. anchors the broader reopening of Cobbs Creek Golf Course, which has been undergoing a large-scale restoration aimed at transforming the site into a year-round golf and community destination. Reservations are now available for the Toptracer-equipped practice bays, with walk-ins also welcome.
“We’re incredibly excited that the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek is open to the public,” Cobbs Creek Foundation President Jeff Shanahan said, adding that bringing golfers and residents back to the campus has been central to the foundation’s mission.
The project reflects a partnership with Lincoln Financial, which became a founding sponsor of the nonprofit foundation in March 2024. The collaboration supports community education, mentorship, and networking programs planned for the Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus.
“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, Lincoln Financial’s chief distribution and brand officer, calling the site a year-round destination for golf, dining, and community events.
The facility features 68 state-of-the-art Toptracer practice bays, including 20 heated bays available for reservations, allowing year-round play. Food and beverages can be ordered directly to the bays, blending practice sessions with on-range dining. The driving range and pro shop are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Little Horse Tavern, a collaboration involving the Cobbs Creek Foundation, Fitler Club, and Strother Enterprises, offers a menu built around golf course classics such as burgers, fries, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and cocktails. The restaurant is open daily from noon to 8 p.m., with reservations available and walk-ins welcome.
Atop the building, a 200-plus-person event space known as 1916 by Fitler Club — named for the year Cobbs Creek Golf Course opened to the public — is now booking meetings, private events, and community gatherings.
Also opening, weather permitting, is the Q School Short Course, a new nine-hole layout designed by TGR Design, Tiger Woods’ golf course architecture firm. The short course is intended to introduce new players to the game while giving experienced golfers a place to refine iron play and short-game skills. Limited tee times will be available on favorable 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.
The Cobbs Creek Foundation is raising $180 million to restore and revitalize the historic golf course, with additional phases planned in the coming years. Restoration of the 18-hole championship course, led by architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, is underway, with an opening targeted for 2027. The campus is managed by Troon, a global golf and hospitality services firm.
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