Shaker Run’s most acclaimed routing is the combination of the front-nine Lakeside followed by the back-nine Woodlands. The two represent the ‘70s trend of “target golf,” which was en vogue when Arthur Hills laid out the course, in their own way.
The front is more open, and the title lake only comes into play twice: once as the cape-style closer to the side, and when the inlet that players drive over during No. 9 serves as a forced carry to the green on the par three No. 2.
The Woodlands nine is more reminiscent of what Pete Dye established at Harbour Town, with fairways winding through trees and demanding the most accurate of shots to score. That side’s highlights are somewhat related to the first half: There is a par three with a forced carry to the green, as No. 14 plays downhill from the tee, across Shaker Creek. The No. 18 hole is also similar to that of the Lakeside, as players will have the option to bite off as much as they dare from the same lake. The difference on this end is that the final approach shot will be over an inlet.
The hole immediately preceding that one, No. 17, will be a relief after 16 holes of dodging trees and water. Although it’s a long, demanding par three, it’s also wide open...very little chance of losing a ball.
