Invitation & Access · Las Vegas
Shadow Creek
Tom Fazio's desert masterpiece, top-50 in the United States.
Par
72
Yardage
7,560
Rating · Slope
75.9 · 143
Holes
18
Green Fee
$1250
The Course
Overview
Shadow Creek represents the pinnacle of Tom Fazio's design philosophy on the desert canvas. Cut from raw Las Vegas terrain, this exclusive private layout weaves through native vegetation and dramatic elevation changes, creating an oasis of green among the desert landscape. The conditioning is immaculate, the exclusivity uncompromising, and the experience unforgettable.
History
Course history
Steve Wynn spent four years and a reported sixty million dollars turning a flat stretch of North Las Vegas scrub into a pine forest with elevation that was never there. He handed Tom Fazio a blank canvas and an open budget — millions of cubic yards of earth moved, thousands of trees trucked in, water routed where the desert had none. It opened in 1989 as the most expensive course ever built, and for its first decade you got on only as Wynn's personal guest. MGM Resorts holds the keys now, arranging tee times through casino hosts for guests of its properties. The course stepped out of its own shadow for one night in 2018, hosting The Match — Tiger Woods against Phil Mickelson — live on national television.
Design
Design philosophy
Fazio's design at Shadow Creek embraces the natural desert topology while introducing sculpted earthwork that frames each hole as a distinct landscape composition. The course celebrates elevation changes often 60+ feet between greens, creates strategic risk-reward scenarios at every turn, and maintains visual drama through indigenous vegetation and water features. Every shot is challenged by wind exposure at elevation.
The Round
The course journey
I.
The Opening
The front nine establishes the elevation narrative immediately. Opening holes play downhill across exposed fairways, creating commanding approach shots into finely bunkered greens. Holes 4-6 traverse a valley where water and native shrub create strategic width questions. The closing three holes of the front push back uphill, setting up the dramatic back nine.
II.
The Middle
The back nine kicks off with stunning elevation change, descending rapidly to a dramatic par-4 10th that demands precision. Holes 11-14 settle into valley play where bunkering is severe and green complexes demand exacting approach skills. Water becomes a consistent factor, particularly around the 13th and 14th holes.
III.
The Finish
The final stretch climbs back to elevation with two finishing par-4s that command respect. The 17th is the signature hole — an elevated par-3 that plays over native desert to a perched green. The 18th is a powerful finisher that descends steeply to a two-tiered green demanding precision on final approach.
How to Play It
Playing strategy by skill
Beginner / High Handicap
Shadow Creek demands scratch golf. The course offers no reprieve for higher handicaps. Elevation changes, severe bunkering, and strategic width questions are designed for accomplished players. Score here will be significantly higher than home course due to elevation, wind exposure, and firm conditioning.
Intermediate / Mid Handicap
Mid-handicap players should focus on position over distance. The yardage is considerable at 7,117, but proper club selection relative to elevation is critical — aim for center of fairways, avoid right-side bunkers on most holes, and respect green complexity. Water is selective but severe. Elevation is your greatest challenge.
Advanced / Low Handicap
Low handicap players recognize this as a genuine test of all skills. The course rewards accuracy and creativity. Bunkering is strategic rather than penal — skilled players can thread aggressive lines. Elevation changes demand precise distance control. The wind at elevation is a constant variable. This is a course that genuinely challenges elite golfers.
Signature Holes
Shadow Creek, in frame.
The Card
Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 420 | 545 | 385 | 410 | 185 | 560 | 395 | 440 | 195 | 3,535 | 430 | 460 | 590 | 175 | 415 | 575 | 385 | 210 | 440 | 3,680 | 7,215 |
| Handicap | 13 | 5 | 15 | 11 | 17 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 19 | — | 8 | 6 | 2 | 18 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 16 | 12 | — | — |
Facilities
Amenities & services
- Clubhouse
- Pro Shop
- Golf Instruction
- Caddie Service
- Driving Range
- Dining
- Locker Rooms
- Steam Room
Good to Know
Shadow Creek — questions answered
- How do I get a tee time at Shadow Creek?
- Shadow Creek does not sell public tee times. Access is arranged through a casino host or as a resort guest. Golf in LV maps the full path on this page.
- How much does it cost to play Shadow Creek?
- Green fees at Shadow Creek are typically $1250–$1250, varying by season, day of week and time. Call for pricing
- Who designed Shadow Creek?
- Shadow Creek was designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1989.
- What is the par and yardage at Shadow Creek?
- Shadow Creek plays to a par of 72 over 7,560 yards from the championship tees, with a course rating of 75.9 and a slope of 143.
- Is Shadow Creek public or private?
- Shadow Creek is not open to general public play — access is arranged through a resort stay or a casino host.
- Where is Shadow Creek located?
- Shadow Creek is located at 3 Shadow Creek Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89134, in the Las Vegas area of Southern Nevada.
How to Play It
Getting on Shadow Creek.
Shadow Creek is access-by-host — no public tee sheet. Casino Host Vegas arranges tee times for the invitation-only and resort courses, and handles the rest of the day.
Golf in LV is an independent guide — we don’t sell tee times or mark them up. We map the exact way on.
Make a Day of It
Dining & nightlife around your round.
Pair Shadow Creek with the Strip’s best dining and table service through MyRSVP — our sister guide to Vegas dining and nightlife.
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