News Summary
Golf legend Tiger Woods inaugurated the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab at the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus, aiming to provide educational opportunities for local students. The state-of-the-art facility will offer a range of programs designed to support academic growth and future career readiness. With a capacity to serve over 4,500 students annually, this initiative reflects Woods’ commitment to educational enrichment and community support, echoing his mentor’s legacy in a historically significant location.
Philadelphia – On September 8, 2025, golf legend Tiger Woods celebrated the official opening of the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab at the Cobbs Creek Golf & Education Campus in West Philadelphia. This state-of-the-art facility aims to provide educational enrichment opportunities for local students and marks the second location established by Woods’ non-profit organization, the TGR Foundation.
Among the attendees were prominent figures including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, and PGA TOUR executive Len Brown, all of whom joined Woods in commemorating the occasion. The TGR Learning Lab is designed to create a safe environment where students can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams, consistent with Woods’ vision for educational support.
The newly opened facility spans 30,000 square feet and features nine classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a music recording studio, a podcast studio, a makerspace, and a Full Swing golf simulator. Since its soft opening earlier this year, the lab has already served over 1,000 12th-year students. The center is strategically located near 10 elementary schools and 19 high schools within a one-mile radius, with projections indicating it could serve over 4,500 students annually.
Programs and Offerings
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab will offer a range of programs, including tutoring, school-day field trips, after-school classes, academic support, and workshops focused on college and career readiness. The facility is set to begin its first full session of programs on September 9, featuring free courses centered on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), career preparation, and health.
Future Developments
In addition to the educational programs, plans are underway for a new short golf course designed by TGR Design and Lincoln Financial Center. This upcoming course will include a driving range, restaurant, and heritage center, with an anticipated opening later this year. Further renovations are scheduled for the Old Course in 2026 and a new 9-hole Karakung Course in 2027, enhancing the overall facilities at the Cobbs Creek campus.
Impact and Goals
Christopher Maguire, Chairman of the Cobbs Creek Foundation, emphasized the lab’s potential for promoting future student growth and highlighted their dedication to advancing education through innovative and inclusive programs. The primary objective of the TGR Foundation is not to solely cultivate golfers, but rather to assist in developing “the greatest humans possible,” reflecting a broader commitment to community advancement.
Significance of Location
The choice of the Cobbs Creek Golf Course for the new TGR Learning Lab holds personal significance for Woods, as it was the home course of his mentor, Charlie Sifford, a pioneering golfer who faced racial discrimination throughout his career. This historical connection adds depth to the mission of the learning lab, underlining its role in creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab stands as a testament to the ongoing importance of educational enrichment and community support, aligning with Tiger Woods’ vision of uplifting youth and fostering their aspirations. With a robust array of programs and a commitment to serving the surrounding community, the lab is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of many students in Philadelphia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Tiger Woods
- NBC Philadelphia
- Google Search: TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia
- Newsweek
- Encyclopedia Britannica: TGR Learning Lab
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: TGR Foundation
- FOX29 News
- Google News: Smilow Woodland 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.
