(To request a press screener of Part 1, see contacts below)
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 27, 2025) – Chronicling the $150 million golf renaissance that is turning a century-old public course into a destination for learning and leisure is the subject of Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons, an epic docuseries streaming exclusively on the GolfPass website and mobile app, beginning Thursday, June 5. The three-part, original GolfPass production will tell the story of how a community of Philadelphia-area visionaries shouldered the task of bringing one of the country’s premier municipal golf courses back to its original glory while creating a public setting that will rival the top private clubs while transforming the area into a dynamic education and recreation campus for the community.
Part 1 of Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons will make its television debut on GOLF Channel on Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. ET
“What happened here throughout history transforms this place to an icon at a different level for this city, this community, and the game,” said Cobbs Creek Project Development Manager Don Dissinger in the series’ first episode. “Cobbs Creek is the American dream in golf course form.”
Located not far from its celebrated Philadelphia neighbor, Merion Golf Club, Cobbs Creek Golf Course opened its 18 holes to the public in 1916. With architectural features that money couldn’t buy and a fast-growing reputation for welcoming both men and women from all stations in life, it wasn’t long before Cobbs Creek was nationally recognized. The course also became known as the “great uniter,” a place where white and black golfers could enjoy the game. Charlie Sifford, the first African American man to play and win on the PGA TOUR, called Cobbs Creek his home course.
Ultimately, time and neglect took their toll, forcing the course to shutter in 2020. While the golfing community mourned, rumors ran rampant for years about a possible renovation. Those rumors became reality when the Cobbs Creek Foundation was formed in 2018 and made it their mission to turn this hidden gem into a polished pillar of the Philadelphia community once again.
"The Cobbs Creek story is far more than a golf course renovation, it's a powerful testament to resilience, vision, and community commitment,” said Justin Tupper, GolfPass Senior Vice President of Content Strategy & Creative and Executive Producer of the Cobbs Creek docuseries. “We wanted to tell the story about rebuilding a legacy that once served as a vital hub for the neighborhood. The young people shaped by the Cobbs Creek program will leave a deeper impact than any putt ever made on its greens. It’s an inspiring reminder of how the game of golf can help uplift and transform a community for generations to come."
“We are incredibly excited to see the past, present and the future of the Cobbs Creek golf course come to life in this series,” said Jeff Shanahan, president of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons is a celebration of the passion, perseverance, and community spirit that have driven our mission from the beginning. We’re honored and proud to play a part in the story of Cobbs Creek golf course, and we look forward to sharing that story with the world."
In Part 1 of Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons, titled “Headwaters,” GolfPass producers interview the visionaries behind the revitalization project, Mike Cirba and Joe Bausch, who also established the Cobbs Creek Foundation. Viewers will also hear from other key stakeholders in the project, golf course architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, and members of the Philadelphia community who will benefit from the project. All believe, when completed, Cobbs Creek will be one of America’s most impressive and important golf venues. The docuseries will follow all the projects involved in the renovation, showcasing:
- The TGR Learning Lab, backed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation, which will supplement the education of thousands of Philadelphia youth in STEM subjects.
- A short course, designed by Woods’ TGR Design, a full-service golf course design firm.
- A split-level driving range, plus a heritage museum, community event space and restaurant
- A world-class, championship golf course
The episode also will showcase how the new Cobbs Creek will benefit the West Philadelphia community, considered by many to be the city’s “forgotten corner.” “By providing a free place for kids and families to go, have fun and learn, the TGR Learning Lab will be transformational on the community,” said Meredith Foote, executive director of the TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek.
Across three episodes, GolfPass will illustrate the momentum Cobbs Creek has received not only from its Philadelphia community but also from a large community of golfers nationwide. Part 2 of the docuseries will premiere on GolfPass in 2026, with Part 3 scheduled for early 2027. Both remaining episodes will follow further steps along the renovation path, including architecture and design, construction, and the big reveal of the finished project on opening day.
The Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons production team includes Justin Tupper, executive producer, and Fran Solomita, producer & director.
Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons
Part 1 – “Headwaters”
Interviews featured (listed alphabetically)
- Patricia Bantom, West Philadelphia recreational golfer
- Joe Bausch, Cobbs Creek Historian/Co-Founder, Friends of Cobbs Creek
- Len Brown, Chief of Global Business Ventures, PGA TOUR
- Michael Cirba, Cobbs Creek Historian/Co-Founder, Friends of Cobbs Creek
- Erin Cook, Head of Strategy Execution, Cobbs Creek Foundation
- Don Dissinger, Project Development Manager
- Meredith Foote, Executive Director, TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia
- David Fraser, West Philadelphia resident
- Enrique Hervada, Chief Operating Officer, Cobbs Creek Foundation
- Chris Lange, Founding CEO, Cobbs Creek Foundation
- Chris Maguire, Chairman, Cobbs Creek Foundation
- Chris Parker, General Manager, Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus
- Jeff Shanahan, President, Cobbs Creek Foundation
- Maria Stroup, Director of Early Education & Community Engagement, TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia
- Jim Wagner, Golf Course Architect
GOLFPASS HELPS GOLFERS PLAY MORE AND BETTER GOLF:
Developed in partnership with global golf superstar Rory McIlroy, GolfPass is the only digital golf membership that delivers exclusive content and comprehensive tee-time benefits to help every golfer – from beginner to expert – play more and better golf. GolfPass provides members numerous perks to improve their golf game, enjoy more of the sport they love, and save money on tee times. Members get exclusive tee-time benefits and discounts on GolfNow bookings, including waived fees, tee-time credits, and Tee Time Protection. Additionally, members get unlimited access to more than 4,500 instructional videos, including titles, such as Ask Rory, The Golf Fix, The Next Shot, School of Golf, and The Swing Gym, hosted by top instructors like Devan Bonebrake, Nathalie Sheehan, Martin Hall, and Chris Como, as well as golf fitness expert Don Saladino. GolfPass also offers a selection of exclusive lifestyle content, including shows like Better Off with Hally Leadbetter, Home Course Advantage, My Roots, My Daily Routine, and more. A GolfPass membership is available in North America at GolfPass.com, in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland atGolfPass.co.uk, and in Australia at www.GolfPass.com.au. The GolfPass membership also is available via connected TV, iOS and Android apps.
About Cobbs Creek Foundation
The Cobbs Creek Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 2018 to restore the Cobbs Creek Golf Course and to return the site to its status as one of Philadelphia's historical landmarks. In partnership with the City of Philadelphia and local schools and community members, the Foundation's mission is to create a state-of-the-art, economically sustainable golf and educational campus that provides opportunity for the youth of Philadelphia by serving their academic, athletic, and social-emotional needs. To learn more, visit cobbscreek.org
CONTACTS
GolfPass:
Dan Higgins
Dan.Higgins@nbcuni.com
407-496-8107
Cobbs Creek Foundation:
Allison Steele
Ceisler Media
Asteele@ceislermedia.com
609-220-6739