For Greater.
For All.

From the Art Museum and Boathouse Row, to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, everyone knows that Philadelphia is home to some of the greatest historic and cultural landmarks in the nation. But not everyone knows the story of Cobbs Creek, the legendary golf course located in the heart of Fairmount Park. Designed by famous course architect Hugh Wilson in collaboration with the Philadelphia School of Golf Architecture, from day one, the course was open to play for all. Men and women alike could swing away upon its lush greens and enjoy its Golden Age architecture. It was on this course that Charlie Sifford, the first Black golfer to play on the PGA, honed his game, and other noteworthy players including Arnold Palmer, Lucy Williams, Bob Hope, and boxer Joe Louis played. But the years were unkind to Cobbs Creek, and the first public golf course in Philadelphia fell into disrepair. Fast forward to 2018 when the Cobbs Creek Foundation (CCF) took shape with a mission of bringing the legendary course back to life as a new chapter in Philadelphia’s cultural heritage: a multipurpose destination for people of all backgrounds to unite, learn, play, and congregate.

Fulfilling CCF’s ambitious mission would require a bold and authentic narrative to attract unprecedented philanthropic investment, and that’s where we at heavy entered the picture. We needed to craft their communications in just the right way to ensure the story was equal parts inclusive of the broad Philadelphia community and custom-tailored to potential donors, showing them their own unique opportunity to be part of an exciting new chapter in Philadelphia’s grand story.

To say this story at Cobbs is more than golf is an understatement. And we needed to utilize their new website to get that message out. With a mission backed by some of the most philanthropic organizations in Philadelphia. A new brand strategy to serve as the underpinning for a full suite of new marketing materials including a website, tablet presentation, 20-page brochure, stationary, and brand film. Like the holes on a golf course, each element was unique as a standalone piece, but altogether they formed a cohesive and exciting story that only CCF could tell about their mission, and the people who are bringing it to life. With the goal of ultimately making Cobbs Creek a campus of sustainable philanthropy, CCF is planning a strong push for development. It is our hope that our branding efforts combined with their drive and passion will bring this unique dream, and new chapter, to life.

History doesn’t just favor the bold, it is shaped by them and Cobbs Creek is a testament to just that. We now find ourselves at a pivotal moment where our historic course is at risk of crumbling away to disrepair. While some may sit back and shake their heads somberly as a part of their city’s history falls to the wayside, that’s just not how we do things in Philadelphia. We are emboldened by a love for the rich history of Cobbs Creek, the game of golf, and how they’re both deeply intertwined into the story of the city that we call home. Now is our opportunity to preserve this land’s past chapters while writing its next - as one of the finest courses in the world, not just for the elite, but for all to enjoy.

Our environmental messaging strategy pushed the story of the historic moments that separated Cobbs from just your average public golf course. As the home of Charlie Sifford, the Jackie Robinson of golf, and one of the first courses in the country where women could play alongside men, this was truly one of the pillars of the Philadelphia culture. Another icon for the city to be proud of. And to the neighborhood surrounding the course, the message was an open invitation to come back to play at a course available to anyone from any background.

After 6 months in market the campaign is gaining traction as CCF has raised a significant portion of their campaign goal through their quiet phase and are planning on a public launch shortly. Additionally, they have recently partnered with PGA pro Harold Varner III one of the most talented up and coming Black golfers on the tour. CCF might be centered around a game, but this is truly a course to greatness.