West Philadelphia, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Tiger Woods has inaugurated the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek Golf Course, a 30,000-square-foot facility aimed at enhancing education for local youth. The lab provides free programs that blend academic learning with golf instruction for students in grades 1-12. This initiative is part of a broader $150 million renovation project, which not only revitalizes the golf course but also supports STEM education for approximately 2,000 students in the community.
West Philadelphia – On September 8, Tiger Woods officially opened the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab at the renovated Cobbs Creek Golf Course. This new educational facility spans 30,000 square feet and offers free programming for students in grades 1-12, combining traditional academic learning with golf instruction.
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab is part of a comprehensive $150 million renovation project aimed at revitalizing Cobbs Creek Golf Course, located on the 7400 block of Lancaster Avenue. Following a soft opening in April, the facility is now in full operation and has commenced its year-round programming.
Tiger Woods founded the TGR enterprise, which encompasses a golf course design firm and a nonprofit foundation focused on youth education. The revenue generated from the refurbished golf course will be allocated to support STEM learning programs offered by the new lab.
The learning lab features a variety of services, including tutoring, after-school classes, and workshops aimed at preparing students for college and their future careers. It is estimated that around 2,000 local students will have access to the lab’s educational programs.
Woods articulated the significance of the learning lab, emphasizing that it will positively affect the lives of participating students. The facility was developed in collaboration with the Cobbs Creek Foundation, and its primary funding sources include the Smilow Foundation and the Woodland family.
Woods also highlighted the historical importance of Cobbs Creek Golf Course, particularly its connection to Charlie Sifford, the first African American golfer on the PGA Tour, who regarded Cobbs Creek as his home course in the 1960s. Woods referred to Sifford as an inspirational figure and expressed his desire to honor Sifford’s legacy through the establishment of the learning lab.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted attention from various local dignitaries, including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the latter describing the Cobbs Creek renovation as “the largest urban renewal of a creek in the country.”
Woods’ vision involves creating an innovative and safe space for children where they can access both educational and recreational opportunities. The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab serves as the second such facility established by Woods, following the first one opened in Anaheim, California, in 2006, which has benefited over 200,000 students since its opening. Plans are also in place for additional labs in Los Angeles and Augusta.
Cobbs Creek Golf Course, a publicly owned facility that first opened in 1916, aims to enhance community access to educational resources through the renovation project. Programs offered at the learning lab focus on crucial areas such as college readiness, STEAM education, health, and various vocational skills. The Cobbs Creek Foundation is actively working to secure more funds for further improvements and restorations in the area.
In designing the learning lab, the goal is to provide long-term solutions for the challenges facing urban youth regarding access to both sports and education. The operational capacity and year-round programming solidify the lab’s role as a valuable resource for local youth, underlining a commitment to community development.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab?
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab is an educational facility at Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philadelphia, providing free programming that combines academics with golf instruction for students in grades 1-12.
-
Who funded the learning lab?
The facility was developed in partnership with the Cobbs Creek Foundation, primarily funded by the Smilow Foundation and the Woodland family.
-
How many students can access the programs?
Approximately 2,000 local students have the potential to access the learning lab’s educational programs.
-
When did the learning lab officially open?
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab officially opened on September 8, 2023.
-
What additional features does the learning lab offer?
In addition to tutoring and after-school classes, the lab offers college and career readiness workshops and focuses on STEAM education and vocational skills.
Key Features of the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 30,000 square feet |
| Target Audience | Students in grades 1-12 |
| Year-Round Programming | Available from September 2023 |
| Education Focus | STEM programs, vocational skills, college readiness |
| Local Access | Approximately 2,000 potential local students |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
John Gosselin Honored with Prestigious Golf Award
Tiger Woods Inaugurates TGR Learning Lab in West Philadelphia
New Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek Golf Course Enhances Education
Beverley Street Studio School Announces Closure
Tiger Woods Opens New Learning Lab in Philadelphia
Top Golf Courses in Mississippi Highlighted by Golfweek
New Smilow-Woodland TGR Learning Lab Opens at Cobbs Creek Golf Course
West Philadelphia Opens New Golf Educational Facility
Philadelphia Opens TGR Learning Lab for Youth Development
Ralston High School Automotive Club Car Show Canceled
Additional Resources
- NBC Philadelphia
- ABC 6 News
- Black Enterprise
- Golfweek
- Philadelphia Inquirer
- Wikipedia: Tiger Woods
- Google Search: TGR Learning Lab
- Google Scholar: TGR Learning Lab
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tiger Woods
- Google News: TGR Learning Lab
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.
