A historic public golf course reopened this spring at Cobbs Creek in West Philadelphia, giving Archbishop Carroll students a new summer destination as golf’s popularity rises after the PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club in May 2026.
Cobbs Creek Golf Course, which was established in 1916, is one of Philadelphia’s most historic public golf sites. Cobbs Creek has a deep connection to African American golf history. It was one of the first public golf courses to allow men and women of all races to play. It was the home course of Charlie Sifford, who broke racial barriers in professional golf to become a Hall of Famer.
The reopening of Cobbs Creek Golf Course is timely for Carroll students because interest in golf increased after the PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club in Delaware County from May 11 to May 17.
Aronimink Golf Club is a private club, and it is not affordable for the average Carroll student. A person must be a member, or a guest of a member, to play there, and membership initiation fees reportedly start at $100,000, followed by annual dues of $40,000, according to Golf Monthly. However, Cobbs Creek is a public golf course that is open to everyone and those under 18 can play for less than $20.
One Carroll student said the reopening could make golf more appealing to students who are looking to try golf over the summer.
“I didn’t know there was a public golf course so close to Carroll,” said Stefano Cottini, a freshman.
While a full restoration is still ongoing, Cobbs Creek Golf Club now includes a 68-bay driving range, a short 9-hole course, a pro shop, a restaurant, and the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab. Carroll students who enjoy the experience at Top Golf in King of Prussia will like the “toptracer” technology at the driving range.
“I love Top Golf, so I’m interested in trying this,” said Adedayo Aladekere, a freshman.
While students can reserve a bay at the driving range, reservations are not required. Operating hours can be found on the website at CobbsCreekGolf.org. Students can walk in during operating hours and purchase balls from the pro shop or from a machine at the driving range. A small bucket of balls is just $10, or a bay can be reserved for $50-60 an hour with unlimited balls. The 9-hole short course is only $15 for students 17 and under, and it is $45-$55 for adults.
“Wow. I had no idea I could golf for under $20,” said Thomas Abraham, a freshman.
