tiger Woods Opens TGR Learning Lab at Revitalized Cobbs Creek Golf Course
PHILADELPHIA – Tiger Woods returned to a course steeped in golfing history Monday to celebrate the opening of the TGR Learning Lab, a state-of-the-art educational facility founded by the golf icon. The lab is a centerpiece of a $180 million renovation of Cobbs Creek Golf Course, a historic Philadelphia municipal course at 74th and Lansdowne Avenue, once considered among the nation’s premier public golf destinations.The opening marks a meaningful milestone in the revitalization of Cobbs Creek, wich had fallen into disrepair after a period of disinvestment and ultimately closed in 2020. The Cobbs Creek Foundation, a nonprofit organization, spearheaded fundraising efforts to create a new complex encompassing the learning lab, a driving range, a museum, community space, a short course, and both nine- and 18-hole courses. While course renovations continue, Monday’s ceremony highlighted the progress made and future plans for the site.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro attended the event, emphasizing the importance of preserving the course’s legacy as a welcoming space for all.”We of course gather here at a time where there are some in our society who want to erase our shared history, who want to whitewash some of the stories that defined us, that helped build our great commonwealth, our great city, our great country,” Shapiro said. “But that’s not the Pennsylvania way.”
The event also held special importance for the family of Charlie Sifford, a pioneering African American golfer who mentored Woods. Sifford Jr., son of the late golfer, expressed his delight that the lab would provide opportunities for thousands of children near his father’s home course.He added, “My dad faced a lot of adversity in his career, but he made an impact, and that’s the main thing.”
Woods reflected on what his mentor would think of the learning lab, stating simply, “He would say he’s proud of me.” The TGR Learning Lab aims to provide educational programs and opportunities for young people, building on the course’s history and fostering a new generation of golfers and leaders.