Brian Palmer/Courtesy of Shoreacres
Brian Palmer/Courtesy of Shoreacres
Brian Palmer/Courtesy of Shoreacres
Scott Vincent/Courtesy of Shoreacres
Andy Johnson/The Fried Egg
Andy Johnson/The Fried Egg
Andy Johnson/The Fried Egg
Andy Johnson/The Fried Egg
Andy Johnson/The Fried Egg
Overview
Shoreacres possesses perhaps the most fascinating topography upon which Seth Raynor ever created a golf course, with his usual collection of suspects, including No. 3 (Leven), No. 6 (Biarritz), No. 7 (Double Plateau), No. 8 (Eden), No. 10 (Road) and No. 14 (Redan) all playing along plateaus and over ravines that feed into Lake Michigan. The stretch of 11, 12 and 13, playing across a ravine, down into it and back out of it, are as unique a stretch of holes as can be found anywhere on a 100 Greatest course.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked for 22 years from 2001-'12 and since 2015.
2023-'24 ranking: 55th.
Highest ranking: No. 54, 2021-'22.
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked 102nd, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked third, 2021-'22. Ranked fourth, 2019-'20. Ranked fifth, 2017-'18. Ranked seventh, 2011-'16. Ranked inside the top 10, 1987, 1991-2010. Ranked inside the top 15, 1989.
2023-'24 ranking: 2nd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Mostly flat piece of land however the end result was certainly maximized with Raynor utilizing a dramatic ravine/creek winding its way through the property. Several template holes including the Biarritz(6th), Short(12), Redan(14), Double Plateau(7th), Eden(8th), Cape(2nd), Leven(3rd), Road(11th)....The par 3's are the star of the show at this track, 4 great holes! Firm and fast conditioning during this panelists evaluation. Standout holes also include the 11th a medium yardage par 4 that is lined by the ravine short "
Read More2022
Review
“The greens and surrounds are endlessly interesting. The contours and large green sizes often make two-putts a serious challenge. And recent expansion of the greens to allow the ball to run off the edges, often into bunkers, adds uncertainty into the players mind. Off target approaches are now likely to be repelled away further from the pin, requiring a variety of short game shots."
Read More2022
Review
“Modest three-hole start, and then the round truly commences. #6 Biarritz, one of the largest greens, if not the largest in Illinois, provides a full range of pin locations. Additional tree removal has enhanced the playability of #13 and allowed for more consistent top-level firmness and conditioning. The course plays fast and firm, which enhances all aspects of the design and keeps the short course interesting and challenging for players of all lengths. The unique & mostly flat property goes away from the coastline, leaving the clubhouse with views above the cliffs over Lake Michigan. Raynor keeps the focus on the strategic use of the ravines & plateaus across the property that flow into Lake Michigan."
Read More2022
Review
“One of the top 2 courses in Illinois. This old Seth Raynor design has been lovingly restored by Tom Doak and a dedicated series of superintendents. Very regularly in top condition, even after hard rains in rainy months. Can't think of a more fun course in the state."
Read More2019
Review
“An absolute gem of a golf course that's both fun and challenging (beyond the relatively easy start with the first 3 holes). Outstanding design variety and aesthetics. Without question one of the best venues in IL and a must play."
Read More2019
Review
“It's as good as everyone says it is, especially in the last few years when the've removed some trees and created firm, fast conditions. An amazing clubhouse and locker room on Lake Michigan is bested by a brilliant Raynor routing and design."
Read More2018
Review
“This is a nice old traditional course with a pleasant and warm clubhouse. Good Seth Raynor design, but I'm a bit at a loss as to why it is rated so highly in many polls."
Read More2018
Readers
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