Shadow Creek

Las Vegas, Nevada

The most exclusive and expensive resort course in Las Vegas, Shadow Creek is a Tom Fazio creation built in the desert for Steve Wynn at a rumored cost of $60 million. The lush, parkland-style layout — complete with transplanted trees, creeks, and waterfalls — feels impossibly out of place in the Mojave Desert and is universally ranked as the best course in Nevada.

History & Heritage

Shadow Creek was built by casino mogul Steve Wynn in 1989-1990, with Tom Fazio designing a lush parkland course in the flat Mojave Desert north of the Las Vegas Strip at an estimated cost of $60 million. Over 21,000 mature trees were transplanted and an elaborate system of creeks, waterfalls, and elevation changes was sculpted from barren desert floor.

Now operated by MGM Resorts, Fazio completed a renovation in 2008 stretching the layout to 7,560 yards. Shadow Creek hosted the 2020 CJ Cup on the PGA Tour and the 2018 Tiger vs. Phil pay-per-view match. It is consistently ranked the best course in Nevada.

Signature Holes

Hole 17 Par 3 · 130 yards

A short but spectacular par 3 to an island-like green surrounded by a creek and framed by waterfalls and transplanted pines.

Hole 3 Par 4 · 449 yards

The longest par 4, featuring an uphill tee shot and demanding approach through a corridor of pines with a creek guarding the green.

Hole 15 Par 4 · 433 yards

A beautiful dogleg with water in play on the approach. The green is framed by a waterfall creating one of the most photographed settings on the course.

Hole 18 Par 4 · 440 yards

A dramatic finishing hole with water down the left and a green backed by a waterfall and the clubhouse. The approach must carry the creek.

What to Expect

Shadow Creek is a surreal experience — a lush, Carolina-style parkland course in the Mojave Desert. The 21,000 transplanted trees, man-made creeks, and waterfalls create a completely isolated, fantasy-like setting minutes from the Strip.

Every aspect is first-class, from limousine transportation to caddie service. The course plays 7,560 yards from the tips with a slope of 145, but multiple tees make it accessible. Conditioning is always immaculate.

Playing Tips

Enjoy the experience and do not rush — every hole offers a different visual experience. The course rewards accurate iron play more than length. A caddie is included and provides valuable reads. Many holes feature creeks on approach shots, so take extra club and aim for the safe side.

Highlights

✓ Best course in Nevada — $60M construction cost
✓ Lush parkland oasis in the Mojave Desert
✓ Exclusive MGM Resorts guests-only access

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to play Shadow Creek?

Shadow Creek is available to guests of MGM Resorts properties. Green fees of $600-$750 include caddie service and limousine transportation from your hotel.

Is Shadow Creek worth the price?

For golfers who appreciate course design and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Shadow Creek delivers an unmatched combination of Tom Fazio design, surreal desert-to-parkland transformation, and first-class service.

How was Shadow Creek built in the desert?

Steve Wynn invested an estimated $60 million to transform flat desert into lush parkland with over 21,000 transplanted trees, rolling terrain, creeks, waterfalls, and ponds.

What PGA Tour events has Shadow Creek hosted?

The 2020 CJ Cup (won by Jason Kokrak) and the 2018 Capital One's The Match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

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