A new short course and practice facility designed by Tripp Davis and Associates has opened near Dallas, Texas.

Part of the new Long Cove private residential community, The Proving Grounds has been described by Davis as his ‘most unique design’.

“The goal in designing this course was to provide a kid-centric environment but also something that is challenging for an experienced golfer if played the right way,” said Davis. “Angles have been set up to play either very easily or very difficult, all depending on the way the ball is placed.”

The course lies on the shores of Cedar Creek Lake and features bermuda fairways and champion bermudagrass greens.

The Proving Grounds will operate as a practice facility in the morning and convert to short course play in the afternoon and evening.

The practice facility includes a 340-yard driving range, multiple greens, bunkers and a water hazard. 

“At one end of the spectrum, we drew inspiration from professional practice facilities where players are able to recreate every shot they might encounter on a full course in the design of a practice facility that will test even the best shot makers,” said Don McNamara, developer of Long Cove. “At the other end, we wanted a low-pressure environment where a father could actually enjoy teaching a daughter to play or a whole family could enjoy the game on a summer evening in bare feet. Tripp Davis delivered exactly what we wanted.”