The Proving Grounds at Long Cove
Malakoff, TX

"At one end of the spectrum, we drew inspiration from professional practive facilities where players are able to re-create every shot they might encounter on a full course in the design of a practive facility that will test even the best shot makers.  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." - Don McNamara, developer of Long Cove 

Aerial Image Taken During Grass Grow-in Period

The Proving Grounds is an innovative blend between a high quality practice facility and a family-friendly short course that's perfect for players of varying ability levels who want to enjoy the game without the pressure of playing on a traditional 18-hole course.

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.  Angles have been set up to play either very easily or very difficult all depending on the way the ball is played.

Hence, the 17-acre Proving Grounds is designed to allow tremendous flexibility in how it is set-up.  The general plan is to operate as a practice facility in the morning and then convert to short course play in the afternoon and evening.  The short course can be played either clockwise or counter clockwise in a 9-hole sequence with an average tee to green distance of 125 yards.  Given the relatively small population of owners at Long Cove, it is also set-up to play anarchy-style with multiple alternative routings that include Par 4's and Par 5's.

Designed as a walking-only course that follows the organic flow of the land, the compact short course makes it easy to carry a full bag but also invites taking only a handful of clubs in one hand and a cocktail in the other.  The Proving Grounds features Bermuda fairways and Champion Bermuda grass greens and is surrounded by a forest of mature live oaks and pines.

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

Long Cove is a private residential community on Cedar Creek Lake near Dallas.  The Tripp Davis and Associates' designed short course and practice facility opened in 2014.

Routing Map