The buzz this week is all about Aronimink Golf Club hosting the PGA Championship—a major milestone for the city and the sport. But while the spotlight shines on Philadelphia's elite course, something equally exciting is taking shape just a few miles away. Cobbs Creek Golf Course is roaring back to life, and it's poised to reclaim its place among the top public courses in the nation.

Not long ago, Cobbs Creek was considered a forgotten relic by the City of Philadelphia. That all changed in 2021 when the Cobbs Creek Foundation signed a 70-year lease to restore this historic gem. And thank goodness they did—because this course has a story worth telling.

Dating back to 1912, Cobbs Creek was originally designed by Hugh Wilson, the same architect behind the legendary Merion East. Wilson was part of a golden era of golf course design, working alongside icons like George Crump, William Flynn, George Thomas, and A.W. Tillinghast. It's hard to believe a piece of property with this kind of pedigree was ever considered an abandoned asset.

Time took its toll, and a devastating fire around 2000 destroyed the clubhouse, sending Cobbs Creek into a long decline. But the Foundation stepped in with a vision to save it all. Initially, estimates pegged the restoration at $30 to $40 million. Thanks to relentless dedication and growing ambition, that figure has now climbed to $180 million. The message is clear: Cobbs Creek is doing things the right way.

And it always has. Historically, Cobbs Creek was one of the most welcoming golf courses in the country. Women could play there before they had the right to vote. Charlie Sifford—often called the Jackie Robinson of golf—also found a home here, breaking barriers long before the sport caught up.

This isn't just a renovation; it's a revival. Cobbs Creek is coming back to life, and then some.