Las Vegas has transformed into one of America’s premier golf destinations, offering championship-caliber courses that rival any city in the nation. From ultra-premium experiences to exceptional value options, the desert landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for world-class golf.
This comprehensive guide examines the seven best courses that define Las Vegas golf, providing detailed insights into pricing, accessibility, and what makes each venue exceptional.
7 Best Golf Courses in Las Vegas Nevada
1. Shadow Creek Golf Course: The Crown Jewel
Location: 3 Shadow Creek Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89031
Website: www.mgmresorts.com/shadow-creek-golf-course.html
Shadow Creek stands as North America’s most expensive and arguably most impressive public-access golf course. Tom Fazio’s $60 million masterpiece transforms flat desert terrain into a lush, tree-lined sanctuary that feels transported from the Carolina Lowcountry.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Par/Yardage | 72 / 7,560 yards |
| Rating/Slope | 76.2 / 148 |
| Green Fee | $1,250 (Mon-Thu, MGM guests only) |
| Inclusions | Caddie, limousine transport, practice balls |
What Makes It Special: Fazio moved 400,000 cubic yards of earth and planted 21,000 mature trees to create this enclosed paradise. The course completely eliminates the surrounding desert from view, with water features on nearly every hole. Each hole feels isolated from the others, creating 18 distinct experiences.
Access Requirements: You must be a paying guest at an MGM Resorts property to book Monday-Thursday tee times. Weekend play is invitation-only. Book 4-6 weeks in advance and budget an additional $100-$150 for caddie gratuity.
Notable Achievement: Hosted The Match featuring golf’s biggest stars, ranks 24th on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, and 3rd among public courses.
2. TPC Las Vegas: PGA Tour Excellence
Location: 9851 Canyon Run Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89144
Website: www.tpc.com/tpc-las-vegas
TPC Las Vegas delivers authentic PGA Tour-quality golf at accessible rates. Located in Summerlin with Red Rock Canyon as a backdrop, this Bobby Weed and Raymond Floyd design hosted the PGA Tour’s Shriners Children’s Open for over a decade.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Par/Yardage | 71 / 7,081 yards |
| Rating/Slope | 74.0 / 138 |
| Green Fee Range | $95-$295 (seasonal) |
| Distance from Strip | 20 minutes west |
Course Highlights: Water comes into play on half the holes, including the famous island-green 17th hole inspired by TPC Sawgrass. The finishing hole features water fronting the green and gallery mounds that create an amphitheater atmosphere.
Value Strategy: Summer rates (June-August) drop to $95-$125 for early morning times. Twilight rates offer 30-40% savings. Book 7-14 days in advance for optimal pricing. The course maintains exceptional bentgrass conditions year-round.
Best For: Players seeking tournament-tested golf with professional-grade conditioning at mid-range pricing.
3. Bali Hai Golf Club: Tropical Paradise on the Strip
Location: 5160 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Website: www.balihaigolfclub.com
Bali Hai occupies a unique position as the only course located directly on the Las Vegas Strip. Schmidt-Curley Design created an authentic South Pacific paradise featuring 100,000 tons of white crushed quartz bunkers, 4,000 palm trees, and seven acres of water.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Par/Yardage | 71 / 7,002 yards |
| Rating/Slope | 73.4 / 130 |
| Green Fee Range | $89-$329 (peak season higher) |
| Location | Directly on the Strip |
Signature Features: The course uses Paspalum seashore grass, creating exceptional playing surfaces in the desert heat. Hole 12, an island-green par-3, ranks among Las Vegas’s most photographed holes. The tropical theme extends to the Balinese-style clubhouse with South Pacific decor.
Convenience Factor: Located minutes from major Strip hotels including Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, and Luxor. Many hotels offer shuttle service, making this ideal for visitors without rental cars.
Value Tips: Twilight rates (after 1pm) save 30-50%. Summer play offers deepest discounts despite heat. Check for hotel package rates bundling golf with accommodations.
4. Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort: Pete Dye’s Desert Masterpiece
Location: 10325 Nu-Wav Kaiv Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89124
Website: www.lvpaiutegolf.com
Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort features three distinct Pete Dye designs—Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain, and Wolf—offering 54 holes of championship golf on the Paiute Indian Reservation. This facility delivers exceptional value with less crowding than Strip-area courses.
Snow Mountain: The Centerpiece
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Par/Yardage | 72 / 7,158 yards |
| Rating/Slope | 74.3 / 145 |
| Green Fee Range | $89-$229 (seasonal) |
| Distance from Strip | 20 miles northwest |
Design Excellence: Dye’s signature pot bunkers, railroad ties, and undulating greens create strategic challenges throughout. The course takes its name from snow-capped Charleston Peak visible throughout your round.
Sun Mountain: More forgiving than Snow Mountain with wider fairways, making it ideal for mid-handicappers. Pricing typically runs $20-40 less than Snow Mountain.
Wolf Course: The longest of the three at 7,604 yards with dramatic elevation changes and pure desert aesthetics. Stretches to 76.1/149 rating from championship tees.
Value Proposition: Paiute offers Pete Dye championship golf at prices 30-50% below comparable Vegas courses. Twilight rates (after 12pm) save $30-50. Replay rates allow second rounds for $40-60. The 54-hole facility ensures pristine conditions with less traffic.
5. Cascata Golf Course: Luxury Desert Architecture
Location: 1 Cascata Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005
Website: https://golfcascata.com
Cascata represents Las Vegas’s second-most exclusive experience after Shadow Creek. Rees Jones carved this masterpiece through dramatic desert canyons 25 minutes from the Strip, featuring 418 feet of elevation change and cascading water features throughout.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Par/Yardage | 72 / 7,137 yards |
| Rating/Slope | 74.5 / 142 |
| Green Fee | $395-$595 (includes caddie, lunch) |
| Access | Semi-private; limited public times |
The Experience: Green fees include professional caddie service, gourmet lunch or breakfast, premium range balls, and GPS-equipped carts. The course limits play to 8-10 groups daily, preserving immaculate conditions.
Signature Holes:
- Hole 7 “The Narrows”: Threads through a canyon with 100-foot rock walls
- Hole 10: 75-foot downhill drop to an island green with waterfall backdrop
- Hole 18: Uphill finish with water right and dramatic waterfall
Booking Requirements: Reserve 30-60 days in advance. Summer rates (June-September) drop to $395-$450. Budget additional $75-$100 for caddie gratuity.
6. Reflection Bay Golf Club: The Golden Bear’s Design
Location: 75 Montelago Boulevard, Henderson, NV 89011
Website: https://lakelasvegas.com/the-golf/
Reflection Bay showcases the only Jack Nicklaus design in the Las Vegas area. Located at Lake Las Vegas Resort, the course features strategic golf alongside a 320-acre lake with Mediterranean-inspired surroundings.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Par/Yardage | 72 / 7,261 yards |
| Rating/Slope | 75.4 / 143 |
| Green Fee Range | $79-$299 (seasonal) |
| Distance from Strip | 17 miles east |
Nicklaus Philosophy: The course emphasizes strategic options over forced carries. Generous landing areas off the tee contrast with demanding approach shots to challenging greens.
Memorable Holes:
- Hole 9: Peninsula green jutting into Lake Las Vegas
- Hole 17: 203-yard par-3 over water with dramatic backdrop
- Hole 18: Risk-reward par-5 with water left
Resort Benefits: Lake Las Vegas offers stay-and-play packages, multiple dining options, spa services, and quieter atmosphere than the Strip. Ideal for groups where some members golf while others enjoy resort amenities.
Value Windows: Summer and winter off-peak times drop below $100. Twilight rates save 30-40%. Book 7-14 days in advance for best pricing.
7. Desert Pines Golf Club: Scottish Links in the Desert
Location: 3415 East Bonanza Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Website: https://desertpinesgolfclub.com/
Desert Pines presents one of Las Vegas’s most unusual concepts—a Scottish links-style course in the Mojave Desert. Perry Dye’s design features 5,000 mature pine trees creating a forested environment completely different from typical desert golf.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Par/Yardage | 71 / 6,810 yards |
| Rating/Slope | 72.3 / 130 |
| Green Fee Range | $49-$159 |
| Distance from Strip | 10 minutes |
Links Features: Authentic Scottish elements include pot bunkers, waste bunkers, strategic mounding, and firm, fast conditions rewarding ground game and creative shot-making. The open layout allows desert winds to significantly affect play.
Exceptional Value: Rates start at $49 during super twilight. Peak rates rarely exceed $159. Frequent online promotions and discount codes available. Walking permitted during designated times—rare in Las Vegas.
Best For: Budget-conscious players seeking unique design and solid conditions without premium pricing.
Conclusion
Las Vegas has evolved into one of America’s essential golf destinations, offering diverse experiences from ultra-premium bucket-list courses to exceptional value options. Whether you’re seeking Shadow Creek’s unmatched luxury, TPC Las Vegas’s tournament pedigree, or Paiute’s Pete Dye variety, the city delivers championship golf against dramatic desert backdrops.
The key to maximizing your experience lies in matching courses to your priorities, booking strategically for optimal value, and timing your visit for ideal weather. With proper planning, Las Vegas golf creates memories that rival anything else the city offers—without the risk of losing money at the tables.
Book your tee times, pack your clubs, and discover why Las Vegas has become golf’s desert oasis where world-class courses meet spectacular scenery.
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