Golf in Vegas

Shadow Creek is the clear number 1 course in Vegas and well worth a stay at one of the MGM/Mirage properties to qualify. This track has a collection of imported birds and 200 types of trees in a perfect landscape--a garden of Eden transplanted into the desert. Limo service is included in the $500 greens fee.

 

Cascata's 418 foot waterfall tumbles into a river that runs through the clubhouse. It has a very high level of service and immaculate upkeep. We rate this a clear number 2 in Vegas. You must be a guest of the Caesars' family of hotels for this course.  From here there is less room that separates one course from another.

Las Vegas is a very good golf destination with a twist. Most U.S. courses are either public or private. If your private membership has agreements with a private club like DragonRidge you can pay the reciprocal fee (plus $25 for a cart) and play there.

However, in Vegas there are semi-public courses that require a guest stay at the MGM/Mirage family of hotels such as Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, etc. or the Caesars hotels, formerly called Harrah's Entertainment, which include Imperial Palace, Flamingo, Bill's, etc. Wynn/Encore has its own golf course too.


Wolf Creek is in Mesquite or about an hour 15 minutes drive from the Strip. It is much more the desert landscape type of course with a very high degree of difficulty especially if the wind is gusting. Because it was built from the desert it has a very high level of uniqueness throughout the track.


DragonRidge is a private club in a mountainous area with elevation changes from hills and valleys. It is extremely well maintained. If you like playing celebrity/tournament courses, Wendy's and Tiger Jams have been hosted here. TPC is the other tournament course which hosts Justin Timberlake but the landscaping is thin in some areas.

For our other top picks, some might like playing replica holes from famous courses such as from St. Andrews, Royal Troon at Royal Links, or some Nicklaus (the Bear's Best) designed holes. If you are a low roller and want to play on an easy course (the opposite of Wolf Creek and Badlands) Angel Park is the clear leader. Angel Park has 2 18 hole courses and a 12 hole, all par 3 course.

If you hate waiting to get somewhere, Wynn is for you. It is boring compared to other courses because it is mostly straightaway par 4s and not as lavish as Shadow Creek, Cascata, Bali Hai, etc. It also does not have the character of Wolf Creek but Wynn is on the Strip which a few might view as important although we don't mind a drive for a noticeably better Vegas golf outing.

Here is a summary of our top choices.