The TGR Lab manages the educational program at Cobbs Creek Golf Course. The program is modeled on its lab in Anaheim, California. TGR Lab focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The lab teaches high-tech subjects, including artificial intelligence, cyber security, robotics and video game design, along with golf course design and management.
In addition, the TGR Lab at Cobbs Creek provides tutoring and guidance for college applications and financial aid. The lab will operate out of a 30,000-square-foot building scheduled to open in 2025. In July, Meredith Foote, a former teacher who was principal of the nearby Overbrook Educational Center for about a decade, was hired as TGR Lab’s executive director.
Currently, the lab provides after-school math tutoring to second, third and fourth graders at two neighborhood elementary schools.
The 20,000-square foot Junior Putting Green will be built near the TGR Lab and is expected to be completed the same year.
“The Junior Putting Green will serve as an inviting space where young players can be introduced to the sport, develop their skills, and foster a love for golf,” Annie Spieth said.
Jeff Shanahan, president of Cobbs Creek Foundation, thanked the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation for supporting its mission to offer a world-class public golf experience for players of all ages.
“The addition of a Junior Putting Green on the Cobbs Creek campus will allow us to open even more doors to future players and provide transformative opportunities for players of all ages,” Shanahan said.
In the 1950s and ‘60s, the 340-acre city-owned golf course, which has a rich history, served as a home for many well-known African American golfers, such as the late Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder and former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis.
African Americans were barred by law from playing at many golf courses in the U.S. until 1961.