Trinity Forest G.C., a Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design, made its pro debut at last yearâs AT&T Byron Nelson Classic, drawing high praise from players and pundits alike. Picture the rolling terrain and molded green complexes of a Pinehurst No. 2 dropped in the middle of Dallasâs south side, and you have Trinity Forest.
OPTIONS ABOUND at Trinity Forest, with the 315-yard par-4 fifth leading the charge. It looks like a piece of cake, but just because you can drive it pin-high doesnât mean youâre entitled to birdie.
THE TEE SHOT makes the rare ask that you control your driver distance. You must fly the bunker situated 35 yards short of the green, but the ideal shot should barely carry that hazard, then trundle to the greenâs front-right edge. Donât go long; thatâs where things get steep.
ADVERTISEMENT
AROUND THE GREEN is where the intrigue (and treachery) becomes a reality: The narrow, crowned putting surface slopes away from its center in every direction. Last year, Jordan Spieth drove the green with his tee shot,then proceeded to hit his lag putt off the backâand heâs a member!
From off the green, Coore and Crenshaw are obsessed with options that create uncertainty; whichever you chooseâputt, bump-and-run or fancy flop shotâcommit fully.
THE LESSON here is to take what the course gives you. If you hit the perfect tee shot, go collect your birdie. If you go long or left off the box, donât get too cute with the ensuing chipâthe ball could end up back at your feet. Play to the middle of the green, two-putt for your par and live to fight another hole.
To receive GOLF’s all-new newsletters, subscribe for free here.
ADVERTISEMENT