Cobbs Creek Golf Course Revival: A New Era for Philadelphia’s Historic Links
A transformative $180 million project is breathing new life into Cobbs Creek Golf Course, a Philadelphia institution with a rich history and a promising future. The revitalization extends beyond the fairways, with the Monday opening of Little Horse Tavern, a full-service restaurant, bar, and event space honoring golfing pioneer Charlie “Little Horse” Sifford.
Honoring a Legacy of Integration
Little Horse Tavern, overseen by The Fitler Club and Strother Enterprises, stands as a tribute to Sifford, the trailblazing Black golfer who broke barriers in the 1960s by leading the integration of the PGA tournament. The tavern, located in the new Lincoln Financial Center on Lansdowne Avenue, is more than just a dining destination; it’s a symbol of progress and inclusivity.
A Modern Golf Destination Takes Shape
Adjacent to the tavern is a state-of-the-art, heated 68-bay driving range, offering a Topgolf-style experience with buckets of balls starting at $10. A nine-hole short course caters to beginners and families, while the ambitious renovation of the 18-hole championship-level Olde Course is slated for completion in 2027. The overall vision is to establish Cobbs Creek as a premier public golf destination.
Founded in 1916, Cobbs Creek historically provided access to the game at a time when many clubs remained exclusive to white, affluent members. The course held a special significance for Sifford, serving as his home course in the 1950s. He went on to achieve remarkable success, winning two PGA Tour events and earning induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 before passing away in 2015 at the age of 92.
From Disrepair to a Vision of Renewal
After falling into disrepair in the 2000s and closing in 2020, Cobbs Creek’s future was uncertain. However, a dedicated group of enthusiasts envisioned a different path. “A group of people who loved Cobbs Creek started asking, ‘What if this could be Philadelphia’s Bethpage Black?’” a senior official stated, referencing the renowned public course on Long Island that hosted the 2025 Ryder Cup.
This aspiration led to the creation of the Cobbs Creek Foundation, which successfully raised funds and forged partnerships with Troon, a leading golf-management company, and the Tiger Woods Foundation, which operates the adjacent TGR Learning Lab dedicated to introducing the game to schoolchildren.
A Tavern for the Community
Little Horse Tavern boasts a private event space capable of accommodating up to 200 guests. The interior is adorned with murals depicting Sifford alongside other local sports icons, including Johnny McDermott, Dawn Staley, Kobe Bryant, and Wilt Chamberlain.
Clancy Smith, Fitler’s manager, is serving as food and beverage director, while Chef Adam Carson has crafted an all-day menu designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. The menu features classic comfort food like tater tots, chicken tenders, and wings, alongside more sophisticated options such as esquites guacamole, huarache pizza, and yellowfin tuna ceviche. A cheesesteak is currently priced at $20, with plans to reduce it to $18 as beef prices decrease, according to Michael Franco, Fitler’s vice president of operations.
The tavern also offers a full bar with beer, wine, and nine signature cocktails. The “Rose Is a Rose,” a floral spritz named in honor of Sifford’s wife, is a standout, featuring gin, honey, lemon, sparkling rose wine, and a delicate touch of rose water.
A Civic Commitment and a Family Legacy
Fitler’s involvement stems from a commitment to projects with a positive civic impact. “We look for opportunities where we can contribute something meaningful to the city,” said Jacob Smith, Fitler Club president, whose golf handicap is 13. “This was at the top of the list.”
For Strother Enterprises, a family-run food service company with roots in West Philadelphia, the project carries deep personal significance. Robert A. Strother and Natasha Strother Lassiter are first cousins whose fathers, Ernest Strother and Robert Strother Jr., both worked as caddies at Cobbs Creek during their teenage years.
“This was one of their first jobs,” Strother explained. “They carried bags here all day, multiple rounds a day. Cobbs Creek was part of their upbringing.” Lassiter echoed this sentiment, stating, “Being from West Philly, seeing this space restored, and being able to contribute to it in a meaningful way — it’s emotional. This isn’t just another project for us.” Strother currently manages day-to-day operations and oversees the after-school snack program at the TGR Learning Lab.
Lassiter emphasized that the project is about more than just hospitality. “It’s about community, education, and access,” she said.
Little Horse Tavern is located at 7403 Lansdowne Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19151. The phone number is 267-900-3740, and more information can be found at cobbscreekgolf.org. The tavern is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
