Shadow Creek Tops Golfweek List of the Top 50 Casino Golf Courses in the United States

Shadow Creek Tops Golfweek List of the Top 50 Casino Golf Courses in the United States

When planning your next luxury getaway, it is essential to consider the diverse entertainment options available at your destination. Many travelers are now looking for seamless integration between high-stakes excitement and outdoor recreation, which is why premium casino golf courses have become a major draw for high rollers. By choosing a resort that features these elite casino golf courses, you can enjoy a perfect balance of competitive gambling and championship-level sport in a single trip.

  • Golfweek ranks Shadow Creek as the best casino golf course in the US
  • MGM owns and operates the top two casino golf courses, with Biloxi’s Fallen Oak in second
  • The list provides exceptional playing opportunities for all budgets

Golfweek has announced that Shadow Creek Golf Course, the ultra-exclusive playground for high rollers at MGM Resorts, remains the premier linked casino golf course in the United States. Located in North Las Vegas, Shadow Creek once again asserts its top spot in Golfweek’s annual rankings.

Casino golf
Image by Kito32 from Pixabay

Each year, Golfweek compiles a list of the top 50 golf courses associated with casinos. Their rankings are based on feedback from hundreds of members on Golfweek’s course-ratings panel, who evaluate courses on various criteria including routing, design integrity, land plan, greens, and overall enjoyability.

Since the launch of this list in 2014, Shadow Creek has consistently dominated this ranking, thanks to its top-tier design and exclusivity.

Accessibility and Pricing

Access to Shadow Creek is not guaranteed even for those staying at MGM’s flagship properties such as the Bellagio or the Cosmopolitan. Reservations at this elite course are limited to certain high-status guests.

What You Can Expect

When it comes to costs, players can expect to pay steep greens fees. The price point for Shadow Creek is among the highest:

  • Play at Shadow Creek costs approximately $1,250 per player, with additional charges for caddies and food.
  • Fallen Oak in Biloxi, ranked second, has a price tag of around $275.
  • Yocha Dehe Golf Club at Cache Creek Casino in California offers a more budget-friendly option at $118.
  • Many top courses in the top 50 golf rankings charge around $200 or less for a round of 18 holes.

This variety ensures that, regardless of budget, golf enthusiasts can find a quality golfing experience at a casino linked course.

Tribal Casinos and Architecture

According to Casino.org, tribal casinos compose 32 of the top 50 golf courses listed by Golfweek. The renowned architect Tom Fazio designed several courses on this notable list, such as:

  • Shadow Creek
  • Fallen Oak
  • Turning Stone Atunyote (T9)
  • Wynn Golf Club (No. 15)
  • Dancing Rabbit Oaks (T18)
  • Dancing Rabbit Azaleas (No. 32)
  • Belterra (No. 39)

Fazio’s designs are celebrated for their integration with the natural landscapes and strategic play, making them a draw for golfers of all skill levels.


As the premier name in casino golf courses, Shadow Creek continues to set a high standard for luxurious golfing experiences. From its exclusivity to its world-class facilities, there are few places like it, and it remains a must-play for golf lovers visiting Las Vegas.