Wow, I'll do my best to contradict the "hole in the middle" theory. Working backward, 12 and 11 are terrific from memory...12 is a great par 3.5 where you play out to the right, pitch on and make your putt, as I recall. 11 feels like an inland hole, like something from Blackwolf Run (different archies, I know) with its slanted fairway, except it has the run and hollow sound of the region. I loved how you had to hit the ball in from the left, with so much trouble right.
Let's see, ten is certainly a boring hole, except that its fairway has so much heave and ho that you probably won't get a flat lie for your second. Given the daunting par five that precedes it and the holes yet to come, if there is such a thing as a breather hole at Trails, this would be it.
Nine is a challenging par five from start to finish. Yes, the trees do cause claustrophobia the closer you get to the green, but one hole at the resort to do that is allowable. cC give you one bunker per landing area to consider as you plan your route, a marvelous touch.
How can anyone disparage a short par four? 8 is great, simply put. Good players will miss left when trying to over hit, and that's where the sand is found. Weaker players will spray right, exactly where cC open up the fairway. Play a shot out to the right and the green smiles at you. No pin is hidden from the right side of the fairway.
I couldn't believe how wide the fairway was on seven. It needed to be, given the length and vertical climb to the hole. I recall being on the green in three, thinking I had a run at par, subsequently realizing that two putts for bogey would be just fine.
I agree that the opening and closing 6s are certainly more memorable, but I wouldn't eliminate any of the middle six.