The Country Club of Louisiana opens The Rook, a new six-hole, lighted par-3 course

The Country Club of Louisiana has officially opened The Rook, a new six-hole, lighted par 3 short course designed by golf course architect Bill Bergin of Bergin Golf Designs, marking the first major golf component completed as part of the club’s long term CCL Forward improvement initiative. 

The Rook features six holes ranging from 50 to 90 yards and was designed to provide a creative and approachable golf experience while offering enough variety to challenge accomplished players. The course incorporates varied shot opportunities, elevation changes and movement around the greens, allowing it to serve as a venue for family golf, junior development, short game practice, competition and casual play, according to the club.

The Rook also provides members with their first opportunity to experience many of the playing surfaces and construction features that will ultimately be incorporated into the Club’s renovated 18-hole championship course, including the same turf varieties, putting surfaces and bunker construction. 

“The goal with The Rook was to create something that is fun and inviting, but still offers real architectural interest,” said Bill Bergin, golf course architect and principal of Bergin Golf Designs. “At this scale, every contour and every angle matters. We wanted accomplished players to find interesting shots while creating a place where juniors, families and newer golfers would feel completely comfortable. Just as importantly, The Rook gives CCL members an opportunity to experience what is coming with the renovation of the championship course. The turf, greens and bunkers reflect what members will ultimately see and play across the renovated 18 holes, so in many ways, The Rook provides the first glimpse of the next generation of golf at CCL.” 

One of the course’s defining features is a lighting and sound system that allows play to continue after sunset. With South Louisiana’s mild climate providing golf weather throughout much of the year, evening play significantly expands the hours the course can be used, particularly during the shorter days of fall and winter. 

“The opening of The Rook is an important moment in the history of the Country Club of Louisiana,” said Chris Brown, CEO of the Country Club of Louisiana. “This is about much more than adding six golf holes. We are creating new ways for our members and their families to experience the game together, and we are investing in amenities that will serve this club for generations. The Rook gives our members their first opportunity to experience the vision behind the golf portion of CCL Forward, and it is only the beginning.” 

The Rook officially opened to member play on Sept. 18 following a grand opening celebration the previous evening. Representatives of CCL’s Junior Golfers, Ladies Golf Association, Men’s Golf Association and Senior Members hit ceremonial tee shots before the course lights were officially turned on. CCL Men’s Club Champion Connor Cavin and Women’s Club Champion Julie Harrison then played the inaugural round under the lights. 

“The Rook gives us a completely different way to experience golf at CCL,” said Marie Gateley, director of golf. “A junior golfer can learn the game here, an experienced player can work on scoring shots, families can play together and members can come out for a quick round in the evening. It adds another dimension to our golf program and creates opportunities to bring golfers of every generation together.” 

First step in a larger golf transformation 

The Rook is the first major completed golf component of CCL Forward, a long term capital improvement initiative at the Country Club of Louisiana. 

Phase one of golf improvements also include an upgraded driving range, new chipping green, a new short game practice area and a greens nursery. 

The next major phase begins in November 2026 with a comprehensive renovation of CCL’s Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course and putting green. The project is currently expected to be completed in October 2027, weather permitting. 

“Our responsibility is not simply to maintain what CCL has been, but to thoughtfully prepare the club for what comes next,” Brown said. “The Rook is a tangible example of that commitment. We are preserving what makes CCL special while continuing to elevate the member experience and position the Club for the future.”