Latest news with #TGRLearningLab
USA Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Tiger Woods, Charlie Sifford and the rebirth of Cobbs Creek (with education at its core)
Tiger Woods, Charlie Sifford and the rebirth of Cobbs Creek (with education at its core) Tiger Woods has another major on his resume. This achievement is unlike the 15 he won with his golf clubs and has the potential to be an even bigger game changer. At the heart of a sprawling 350-acre campus on the border of Upper Darby and West Philadelphia is a TGR Learning Lab. The 30,000-square-foot facility opened its doors on April 1, and provides local students access to educational programs and opportunities to prepare for their futures. Created in partnership with the Tiger Woods' TGR Foundation, this is the second site nationally for a model refined over two decades at the flagship facility in Anaheim, California. It empowers students in grades 1-12 to pursue their passions through education and begin charting a life journey. The doors may have just opened but a pilot program in Philadelphia schools during construction means that 3,980 students benefited from STEAM – an all-encompassing program focused on areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math – college access and career readiness programs during 2024. 'Our goal from the start has been to be an embedded part of the community,' said Meredith Foote, executive director of TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia and previously principal at Overbrook Educational Center for nine years. 'We didn't wait for the Learning Lab to open before engaging with students and families. From day one, we made sure they knew they were a part of this.' Joshua Chaney, community outreach manager of TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia, said students in Cobbs Creek fell behind at least one to two grade levels following COVID. 'This Learning Lab is a game-changer because we're not just expecting the best from our students – we're giving them the best. 'You can't be what you can't see,' Chaney said. 'We're here to make sure our students see everything that's possible.' It's fitting the second TGR Learning Lab is built in the shadow of Cobbs Creek Golf Course, which was established in 1916. It welcomed golfers of any gender, race and creed and became a gem among Phildaelphia's green space. But the course slowly fell into disrepair and it has been closed since 2020. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner are spearheading a renovation of the golf course, which is scheduled to begin later this summer and be ready for play in 2027. But the vision is bigger than polishing an old gem; it's for golf to be a conduit for social impact. At the core of the mission is to revitalize a community. Chris Maguire, the Cobbs Creek Foundation board chairman, has his own family foundation the Maguire Foundation, and at its core always has been education. 'That belief,' he wrote, 'led us to ask a fundamental question about Cobbs Creek: What if this historic golf course could generate revenue that directly supports the kids in its surrounding community? What if it could sustain itself while also sustaining futures?' The board and so many donors have rallied around this vision. When the entire project is complete and up and running, it is expected to generate more than $10 million in annual revenue, which is earmarked to be reinvested in programs and the community. The Cobbs Creek Foundation had reached out to the TGR Foundation through Notah Begay III, Tiger's former college teammate and longtime friends and TGR Foundation board member, but working together was deemed premature as both projects still were getting ducks in a row. More recently, Cobbs Creek sought the right educational partner while TGR Foundation was looking to open its second learning lab in an urban area in the northeast part of the country with a golf course. 'We were like, guess what? We check all those boxes,' said Cobbs Creek Foundation COO Enrique Hervada. When Tiger heard the pitch for the partnership, he knew all about Cobbs Creek because of his longstanding relationship with Hall of Fame golfer Charlie Sifford, who passed away in 2015. And the Sifford-Woods bond is the other part of what makes this project special. After leaving Charlotte under the cover of darkness, Sifford arrived in Philadelphia with little more than his determination. One morning, after an all-night poker game, he stepped outside and saw a Black man boarding a bus with golf clubs. 'Where you going?' Sifford asked. 'Cobbs Creek,' the man replied. 'We can play out there?' Cobbs Creek was an integrated golf course without the restrictions of the Jim Crow South of Sifford's youth in North Carolina. 'That moment changed everything,' said Charlie Sifford Jr., son of the golfing great. 'From then on, my father spent every free moment at Cobbs Creek working on his game. It was Cobbs Creek that gave him the opportunity to take his game to the next level… A place where talent, not skin color, defined a golfer.' Sifford became the first Black golfer to play on the PGA Tour and won twice. According to Sifford's son, Tiger met Sifford when he was 14 years old, hitting 6-irons into the wind, and it didn't take much for Sifford to realize he was going to do great things. Tiger looked up to Sifford, calling him grandpa, and he never forgot how Sifford blazed a trail for him to become arguably the game's greatest player ever. In 2009, he named his second child and first son, Charlie, after Sifford. 'That caught us completely off guard,' said Sifford Jr. 'It was the highest honor.' Tiger also reinstituted the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption when he became tournament host of the Genesis Invitational, which grants a spot into the signature event held in February. A museum will celebrate Cobbs Creek's historic role as an inclusive course where players of all backgrounds played. Among the most cherished artifacts: a set of clubs used by Joe Louis, the heavyweight boxing champ, when he became the first Black to compete in a PGA Tour event at the 1952 San Diego Open. It will pay tribute to golf trailblazers, especially the Hall of Fame career of Sifford and his connection to Cobbs Creek. 'Everyone knows Jackie Robinson,' Hervada said. 'Not enough people know Charlie Sifford. We are going to change that.' The Charlie Sifford Scholarship Fund also will be operated by the Cobbs Creek Foundation. It's fitting that both organizations bearing the names of Sifford and Woods now call Cobbs Creek home – a course that once gave Sifford a place to grow, and now stands to do the same for future generations. "Cobbs Creek has always been more than a golf course,' Sifford Jr. wrote. 'It's a proving ground, a launching pad and a symbol of what's possible. My father's journey started here, and now, thanks to this revitalization, many others will follow in his footsteps.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Masters 2025: Tiger Woods helping to design new 9-hole course, TGR Learning Lab in Augusta
Tiger Woods is working to redesign "The Patch," a local municipal course in Augusta, and turn it into a new 9-hole short course Tiger Woods isn't in the field this week at the Masters, but he's certainly making his presence felt in Augusta. Woods and the Masters announced Monday that Woods and his TGR Design firm are working to design a new nine-hole golf course at the Patch — which is the former site of the Augusta Municipal Golf Course in Georgia. Woods' foundation will open a new TGR Learning Lab in Augusta, too, which will help provide education and more for students in the county. Construction and operations will be funded by Augusta National. 'Partnering with Augusta National Golf Club to serve its surrounding community is truly special,' Woods said in a statement. 'My passion for education and golf dates back a long time, as does my relationship with Augusta National and the city of Augusta. This is a transformational opportunity to empower the next generation and deliver meaningful educational programming and access to fun and affordable golf. 'I'm excited to work alongside Augusta National and see both projects become a reality.' The TGR Learning Lab is expected to open in 2028, while the Patch hopes to open around the Masters next April. Construction at the Patch has already started, and it will include a new driving range, short game facility, clubhouse and more. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Augusta Municipal Golf Course first opened in 1928, and its located about five miles south of Augusta National on the newly renamed Jim Dent Way to honor the former PGA Tour pro and 12-time PGA Tour Champions winner. Dent's son, Jim Dent Jr., had been the head pro at The Patch. Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said Monday that he told Woods about plans to renovate the course when the two were playing together ahead of the 2024 Masters. "It was clear when I shared the concept that it sort of piqued his interest, and that was sort of the beginning of a conversation, a dialogue that took place between our organizations, and after that a few meetings took place, and the idea just sort of grew from what we were doing to how Tiger and TGR could be involved," Ridley said. "He then sort of moved into discussing the big idea of the TGR Learning Lab, which to me is just very exciting." Woods is out indefinitely after he ruptured his left Achilles while training earlier this year. This would have been the 27th start at the Masters for Woods, who last won the event back in 2019. It's unclear how long Woods will be sidelined, though he's not expected to return to the PGA Tour or compete in a major again this year.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Masters 2025: Tiger Woods helping to design new 9-hole course, TGR Learning Lab in Augusta
Tiger Woods isn't in the field this week at the Masters, but he's certainly making his presence felt in Augusta. Woods and the Masters announced Monday that Woods and his TGR Design firm are working to design a new nine-hole golf course at the Patch — which is the former site of the Augusta Municipal Golf Course in Georgia. Woods' foundation will open a new TGR Learning Lab in Augusta, too, which will help provide education and more for students in the county. Construction and operations will be funded by Augusta National. 'Partnering with Augusta National Golf Club to serve its surrounding community is truly special,' Woods said in a statement. 'My passion for education and golf dates back a long time, as does my relationship with Augusta National and the city of Augusta. This is a transformational opportunity to empower the next generation and deliver meaningful educational programming and access to fun and affordable golf. 'I'm excited to work alongside Augusta National and see both projects become a reality.' The TGR Learning Lab is expected to open in 2028, while the Patch hopes to open around the Masters next April. Construction at the Patch has already started, and it will include a new driving range, short game facility, clubhouse and more. Augusta Municipal Golf Course first opened in 1928, and its located about five miles south of Augusta National on the newly renamed Jim Dent Way to honor the former PGA Tour pro and 12-time PGA Tour Champions winner. Dent's son, Jim Dent Jr., had been the head pro at The Patch. Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said Monday that he told Woods about plans to renovate the course when the two were playing together ahead of the 2024 Masters. "It was clear when I shared the concept that it sort of piqued his interest, and that was sort of the beginning of a conversation, a dialogue that took place between our organizations, and after that a few meetings took place, and the idea just sort of grew from what we were doing to how Tiger and TGR could be involved," Ridley said. "He then sort of moved into discussing the big idea of the TGR Learning Lab, which to me is just very exciting." Woods is out indefinitely after he ruptured his left Achilles while training earlier this year. This would have been the 27th start at the Masters for Woods, who last won the event back in 2019. It's unclear how long Woods will be sidelined, though he's not expected to return to the PGA Tour or compete in a major again this year.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Neighbors react to future use of old Lamar Elementary School as Tiger Woods' TGR Learning Lab
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Neighbors living near the old Lamar Elementary School property are reacting to Augusta National Golf Club's plans to give it a new purpose. Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley announced last Monday that the club is partnering with 5-time Masters Champion Tiger Woods, and his nonprofit, TGR Foundation, to bring a TGR Learning Lab to the Garden City. Richmond County school leaders have shared their excitement, and neighbors living nearby are saying the same. 'One of the foundation's most impactful and familiar programs is the TGR Learning Lab. Today, I am proud to share that Augusta National is partnering with Tiger and the TGR Foundation to develop the 4th location in Augusta,' said Ridley. Chairman Ridley sharing the news along with a video statement from the 5-time Masters Champion. The property has been vacant since December 2023, when the school board decided to sell it. But soon, it will be home to one of four locations, with the others in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. William Brown has been living in the area for more than 10 years, and says he's excited for the facelift. 'Now that the National is putting their name on it, along with Tiger, it's going to be something. I think this is going to be a big magnet for the whole area,' said Brown. The learning center will provide access to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) resources to students in school districts across the CSRA. According to the chairman, programs will be offered year-round, including during the school day, weekends, and the summer. The idea is to give students in under-resourced communities the tools they need for a bright future. Other neighbors say it's just what today's youth needs. 'Down here in Augusta, the kids are running wild, and whatever they get into that interests them, they go for it. So, something like this will open their mind up and give them more train of thought, and give them a way to be more successful in life,' said Julien Perry. Beth Meagher also lives nearby, and volunteers with the nonprofit Bridge Builder Communities. The organization is in the process of bringing the first tiny-home village to Augusta down the road on Merry Street. Meagher says both of these efforts are only building more excitement for the neighborhood, and opportunities for young people. 'Those students with the IB program, Lamar and this learning lab, and then you have a whole tiny home community with people surrounding it trying to work with foster kids who are aging out of the system, and transitioning them into adult life. There's just a whole lot of community gathering and encouragement, and I think it's the greatest use for this property that you could come up with,' said Meagher. Chairman Ridley told us last week the focus is to serve Richmond County students first, with the potential to help close to 30,000 students countywide. They're aiming to officially open the learning lab in April 2028. Chairman Ridley said they will launch in-school curriculum, programs and community events in Richmond County before the grand opening. To learn more about the Augusta TGR Learning Lab, you can find more information at TGR Foundation's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Augusta National Makes Tiger Woods Announcement Before the Masters
Earlier this month Tiger Woods fooled a few fans when he announced he would be playing in the Masters just a few weeks after announce he suffered a torn Achilles. "I can't believe I am saying this, but a few weeks after rupturing my left Achilles, the sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber plus the explosive lifts my doctors and trainers have me ready to play the Masters next week! Can't wait! See y'all on the course," he announced on social media. Advertisement The post, of course, was an April Fools' Day joke, but as it turns out, Woods will have something to do with the Masters afternoon. On Monday, April 7, Augusta National announced Woods's nonprofit, TGR Foundation, is partnering with the club to construct a TGR Learning Lab in Augusta, GA, "which will provide access to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education and opportunities for young people to prepare for their future." Tiger Woods victorious, wearing green jacket and holding trophy after Sunday play at Augusta National. Augusta, GA 4/14/2019But that's not all. Woods and his team will also be creating a new nine-hole short course as part of the renovation of the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, commonly known as 'The Patch.' 'Partnering with Augusta National Golf Club to serve its surrounding community is truly special,' Woods said in a statement. 'My passion for education and golf dates back a long time, as does my relationship with Augusta National and the city of Augusta. This is a transformational opportunity to empower the next generation and deliver meaningful educational programming and access to fun and affordable golf. I am excited to work alongside Augusta National and see both projects become a reality.' Advertisement The press release from Augusta National revealed the anticipated opening of the new TGR Learning Lab is April 2028. In addition to Woods' team creating a new nine-hole short course, a redesigned 18-hole layout will be created by course architects Tom Fazio and Beau Welling. Related: Donald Trump Jr.'s New Girlfriend Turns Heads Amid Vanessa Trump, Tiger Woods News
