BATON ROUGE — The Country Club of Louisiana has opened The Rook, a new six-hole par 3 short course designed by Bill Bergin.

The course opened to members on Sept. 18 after a grand opening celebration that included a ribbon-cutting, ceremonial tee shots and the first official lighting of the course. Members watched club champions Connor Cavin and Julie Harrison play the first round under the lights.

The Rook features six holes ranging from 50 to 90 yards and is designed for players of all ages and skill levels. The course includes a lighting and sound system so members can play after sunset, especially during months with less daylight.

Chris Brown, CEO of the Country Club of Louisiana, said the opening is an important moment for the club and part of a larger effort called CCL Forward. The project also includes upgrades to the driving range, a new chipping green, a short-game practice area, a greens nursery and six new pickleball courts.

The next phase of CCL Forward will begin in November with a renovation of the club’s championship golf course and putting green, expected to finish in October 2027, weather permitting.