Philadelphia, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Smilow-Woodland TGR Learning Lab has opened at Cobbs Creek Golf Course, providing innovative STEAM education for underserved children in West Philadelphia. Spanning 30,000 square feet, the lab offers activities like robotics and music production. It aims to empower youth through education, creating a positive impact on the community. With a historical backdrop, the renovation of the golf course complements the educational initiatives, marking a significant commitment to merging sports and learning for future generations.
PHILADELPHIA — The Smilow-Woodland TGR Learning Lab has officially opened its doors at the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, marking a significant step toward providing educational resources for young learners in West Philadelphia. The facility spans 30,000 square feet and is dedicated to offering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, focusing on children from underserved communities.
Since its opening in April 2025, the learning lab has welcomed thousands of students. The lab aims to create an inclusive and innovative environment where children can engage in a variety of educational activities, such as robotics, music production, forensic science, health and wellness, and college and career readiness. Parents have praised the lab as a vital resource, with one parent describing it as a “godsend” for their child.
A student who frequents the lab has expressed that it feels like “home” and emphasized the values of innovation, safety, community, and empowerment. These experiences reflect the vision of golf legend Tiger Woods, which prioritizes creating a positive impact through education rather than merely focusing on golf training. In a visit to the learning lab, Woods highlighted his foundation’s mission of fostering the potential of young individuals.
Cobbs Creek Golf Course: A Historical Context
The Cobbs Creek Golf Course, one of the oldest public golf courses in Philadelphia, opened in 1916 and is notable for its role in promoting inclusivity within the sport. It was once home to Charlie Sifford, the first Black golfer on the PGA Tour, who inspired Woods so much that he named his child after him. The Cobbs Creek Foundation is currently working on restoring the course, which had been closed since 2019, with a significant multimillion-dollar renovation plan.
The restoration includes the expected opening of a 9-hole “short course” and a two-story driving range in October 2025. Furthermore, plans are underway for the reintroduction of the 18-hole “Championship Olde Course” in 2027, which will maintain its original layout from 1916. The Cobbs Creek Foundation has raised $130 million of its $180 million funding goal, which includes a public contribution of $5.5 million from the state of Pennsylvania. Foundation Board Chairman Christopher Maguire anticipates that the restored golf course will serve as a regular PGA Tour stop and will be integrated with educational initiatives.
Future of the Learning Lab and Community Impact
Tiger Woods believes that the establishment of the learning lab represents the beginning of his commitment to positively influence the lives of local youth. Students, such as 13-year-old Anthony Willis, have expressed excitement about learning new skills, such as flying drones, at the lab. Local leaders, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, have publicly acknowledged Woods for his efforts in creating the learning lab. This initiative illustrates a broader commitment to enrich the educational landscape in Philadelphia, merging the worlds of golf and learning for the benefit of future generations.
Key Features of the Smilow-Woodland TGR Learning Lab
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 30,000 square feet |
| Focus Areas | STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) |
| Opening Date | April 2025 |
| Target Audience | Children from underserved communities |
| Activities Offered | Robotics, Music production, Forensic science, Health and wellness, College and career readiness |
| Long-term Goals | Integrate educational initiatives with the Cobbs Creek Golf Course restoration |
FAQs
What is the Smilow-Woodland TGR Learning Lab?
The Smilow-Woodland TGR Learning Lab is a 30,000 square foot educational facility that offers STEAM education aimed primarily at children from underserved communities in West Philadelphia.
When did the learning lab open?
The Smilow-Woodland TGR Learning Lab opened in April 2025.
What types of activities can children participate in at the lab?
Children at the learning lab can participate in activities including robotics, music production, forensic science, health and wellness, and college and career readiness.
What is the relationship between the learning lab and the Cobbs Creek Golf Course?
The learning lab is situated on the site of the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, which is undergoing a restoration process. The course aims to integrate its educational initiatives with golf, promoting both sports and learning.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Tiger Woods at Cobbs Creek
- ABC 6: TGR Learning Lab for Kids
- Patch: Tiger Woods Learning Lab
- PR Newswire: Genesis Partnership with TGR Foundation
- NBC Philadelphia: Local Impact Grants for Nonprofits
- Wikipedia: Tiger Woods
- Google Search: Cobbs Creek Golf Course
- Google Scholar: STEAM Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: STEAM Education
- Google News: Education Initiatives in Philadelphia
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
