Shoreacres
Chicago, Illinois
A Seth Raynor masterpiece on the North Shore overlooking Lake Michigan, Shoreacres is consistently ranked among the best courses in Illinois and the top 50 in America. The compact 6,310-yard layout features Raynor's template holes adapted brilliantly to dramatic lakeside ravine terrain.
History & Heritage
Shoreacres was founded in 1916 in Lake Bluff on Chicago's North Shore. Seth Raynor designed the course, which opened in 1921 on spectacular ravine terrain near Lake Michigan. Raynor brilliantly chose the interior ravine land over the steep lakefront bluffs, creating one of his most celebrated routings.
After decades of play, a restoration brought back Raynor's original template holes and bunkering. Shoreacres is widely regarded as one of Raynor's finest courses and consistently ranks among the top 50 in America. At just 6,310 yards, it is the shortest course on most top-100 lists, proving great architecture transcends length.
Signature Holes
A beautiful short par 3 playing downhill to a green in the most attractive setting on the course.
A demanding opener traversing the ravine terrain, one of the most challenging opening holes in Chicago golf.
A short par 5 through the ravines offering birdie chances for those who navigate the dramatic terrain.
A Raynor Redan hole adapted to the North Shore terrain with the green sloping front-right to back-left in classic fashion.
What to Expect
An intimate, walkable masterpiece set in deep ravines on Chicago's North Shore. At 6,310 yards and par 70 it is compact but endlessly strategic. Raynor's template holes are adapted brilliantly to the dramatic topography.
Playing Tips
Do not let the short yardage fool you. Ravine terrain creates awkward stances and uneven lies. Raynor's green complexes are the primary defense with bold contours punishing wrong-side misses. A strong short game is essential.
Highlights
- ✓ Seth Raynor masterpiece
- ✓ Lake Michigan bluff setting
- ✓ Top 50 in America
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public play Shoreacres?
Is it really only 6,310 yards?
Who designed it?
What are template holes?
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