Guest Post by Brian Peña @ Red Birdie Golf
When you think of Las Vegas, the first that always comes to mind is gambling. Look we don’t blame you (I actually live in Las Vegas) because that’s the way we’ve branded ourselves over the past 30 years.
Over the years though, that has changed and Las Vegas is now generating more revenue from non-gaming based activities. In fact, for every $1 dollar spent on gaming, $2 is spent on non-gaming. There are a variety of activities, including golf, that attract more visitors to town than gambling.
In this article, we’re gonna take a peak at 3 of the most exclusive golf courses in Las Vegas. Get your clubs ready and let’s explore these gems!
Wynn Golf Club
Located directly behind the Wynn Resort, this par 70 course was designed by Tom and Logan Fazio and with 4 sets of tees ranging from 6,722 yards to 4,810 yards from the forward tees, can accommodate golfers of all handicap levels
(Photo Courtesy of Golf Advisor/Barbara Kraft)
In addition, the clubhouse features a Men’s and Women’s full-service locker room and a pro shop with a selection of women’s golf attire.
Built in 1952, it was originally called the Desert Inn Golf Club for the formerly attached Desert Inn Casino. When Steve Wynn bought the property back in the early 2000’s, he allegedly contemplated leveling the golf course but ultimately decided to keep it.
The course design features waterfalls, streams, and mature trees all on the rolling landscape with the Las Vegas Strip in the background.
Currently, you can play this course for a measly $550 plus a $45 cart fee or $95 caddie fee.
Cascata
Located just a few miles from Boulder City and the Hoover Dam, Cascata is an amazing course carved into the side of Red Mountain.
(Photo Courtesy of Golf Advisor/Cascata)
I remember when I played this course that we actually got to see some bighorn sheep grazing on the driving range!
This par 72 course was designed by Rees Jones with many of the holes that feel like you’re playing in the valley of a mountain. In addition, the course offers 5 sets of tees ranging from 7,137 yards from the tips to 5,591 yards from the forward tees.
The 37,000 square foot clubhouse features a ladies lounge and a pro shop with a wide selection of stylish women’s accessories and apparel.
Green fees at Cascata can range from $300-$500, depending on the time of year, but if you’re staying at a Caesars Entertainment property, you may be eligible for a special rate.
Shadow Creek
And now we come to the creme de la creme, the infamous Shadow Creek! You may have heard of this course recently when Tiger and Phil held The Match here.
(Photo Courtesy of Golf Advisor/MGM International)
Growing up in Las Vegas in the mid-1990’s, this course was located in the middle of nowhere! I remember when we were kids driving around town we came around this highly guarded area surrounded by trees blocking any line of sight into the course.
At first, we thought this was an “Area 51” type of property but after talking to some people, we found it was an exclusive golf course owned by Steve Wynn and his Mirage Resorts. In fact, Steve Wynn had 1 of the only 2 homes located on this 350-acre location!
Originally built in 1989, this course was an amenity to attract the high roller clientele to Las Vegas.
Designed by Tom Fazio, this par 72 course is a literal oasis in the middle of the desert. When on this course, people say you feel like you’re in North Carolina but you’re actually in the middle of Las Vegas.
There are only 3 sets of tees available with the tips coming in 7,560 yards and the ladies tees coming in at a 6,626 yards. With 4 or the women’s par 4’s coming in at over 400 yards, this is a very long course for women. The shortest par 4 is hole #11 at 284 yards and the longest par 4 is hole #3 at 449 yards. Even the par 3’s play somewhat long with the shortest holes being #5 and #17 at 140 yards and the longest par 3 is #13 at 203 yards.
To be honest, this isn’t a very woman or beginner-friendly course but we think the beauty and the experience will more than make up for it!
Featuring streams and lakes, along with rolling fairways, Tom Fazio describes it as one of the most uniques courses he has ever built.
Heck, at one point there were actual flamingos roaming the property!
To get onto this bad boy located 5 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip, you need to be a guest at an MGM property and fork over $550 plus a caddie fee. The cool thing is that it includes a limo ride to the course from whichever casino you’re staying at.
See you in Vegas
There you have it, the next time you are headed to Las Vegas and have $500+ dollars to spend on a round, instead of splurging on a new driver, you could play one of these beauties!
Check out other great golf courses you might like to play by clicking on the Travel Menu in the top nav bar.
