Las Vegas Courses

[Whisspy]

I've seen all of the top courses to play in Vegas ( and outskirts) and wondering whether or not it truly is worth the money to spend on the following courses:

 

Shadow - $1000

Wynn - $650 

Cascata - $450

Balil Hali - $250 

TPC Vegas - $250-300

Pauite - $130 

 

I live in NorCal and even this seems super crazy for relatively average courses ( not Shadow).  Which course would you play and why??  

[RandyMatheny]

Playing Wynn and Cascata in March so I’ll let you know! 
 

we looked at shadow creek and you have to stay at an mgm property to play there. After everything it was going to be around $1500, so we passed. 

[gmyers22]

I have played all on the list except Wynn. I would say Cascata is my favorite of those listed. 
Paiute is definitely the best bargain and all three courses there are good tracks.

I used to have a house there and played Paiute a lot. 

 

I would just rent a car and head to Mesquite and play Wolf Creek! If that’s an option. About an hour and 15 minutes away. Definitely worth it in my opinion. 

[delftw]

24 minutes ago, gmyers22 said:

I have played all on the list except Wynn. I would say Cascata is my favorite of those listed. 
Paiute is definitely the best bargain and all three courses there are good tracks.

I used to have a house there and played Paiute a lot. 

 

I would just rent a car and head to Mesquite and play Wolf Creek! If that’s an option. About an hour and 15 minutes away. Definitely worth it in my opinion. 

Lived in Vegas for 5 yrs, I second this. All 3 courses at Paiute are great. Bali Hai is nice if youre on the strip, but not for $250. And from the strip youre gonna drive 30ish min to get to Cascata and nearly that for TPC, might as well go for a little further drive and save money over those and play WC

[vallygolf]

Only you can determine if a course is worth it. Value is a relative proposition. In my value sphere  Shadow Creek was worth the $500 and then the $600 I shelled out to play it. Spectacular design, pure conditions and the course all to me and my caddie. There are lesser courses I would pay $500 to have the place all to myself. FYI if you request not to be paired up you go out as a single. In my busy world 1K is worth every penny for a leisurely stroll on a top 20 course. Others have different needs and values. Not good or bad just different. Cascata is overpriced but the second best course on the list. Im glad I ponied up and played it once, little harder pill the second time, and I kind of wished I went to Paiute. Bali Hai represents the worst value on the list to me. Below average course at above average price. Wynn is next, but still an above average course with a Pebble Beach price. TPC is slightly above average in both categories.  As noted I have not played Paiute, but it gets constant love and appears well priced. 
 

I really enjoyed the wolf creek experience, but it is a fairly quirky course worth experiencing at least once.  If you are renting a car and gas etc, it will end up costing as much as shadow.  Just depends on your reasons for going to Vegas, and desire to play the best vs to just play a good course. In the realm of “worth the money to me” I have never understood spending thousands to travel to a location to save hundreds playing inferior courses. Unless it is a frequent destination, it is always worth the money to me to play the best a region has to offer. 

[Whisspy]

1 hour ago, vallygolf said:

Only you can determine if a course is worth it. Value is a relative proposition. In my value sphere  Shadow Creek was worth the $500 and then the $600 I shelled out to play it. Spectacular design, pure conditions and the course all to me and my caddie. There are lesser courses I would pay $500 to have the place all to myself. FYI if you request not to be paired up you go out as a single. In my busy world 1K is worth every penny for a leisurely stroll on a top 20 course. Others have different needs and values. Not good or bad just different. Cascata is overpriced but the second best course on the list. Im glad I ponied up and played it once, little harder pill the second time, and I kind of wished I went to Paiute. Bali Hai represents the worst value on the list to me. Below average course at above average price. Wynn is next, but still an above average course with a Pebble Beach price. TPC is slightly above average in both categories.  As noted I have not played Paiute, but it gets constant love and appears well priced. 
 

I really enjoyed the wolf creek experience, but it is a fairly quirky course worth experiencing at least once.  If you are renting a car and gas etc, it will end up costing as much as shadow.  Just depends on your reasons for going to Vegas, and desire to play the best vs to just play a good course. In the realm of “worth the money to me” I have never understood spending thousands to travel to a location to save hundreds playing inferior courses. Unless it is a frequent destination, it is always worth the money to me to play the best a region has to offer. 

I would definitely agree with everything you said.  I say the exact same thing about Pebble…. Have you ever played Dragonridge ? It’s private but seems to have option to play through MGM. 

[Whisspy]

1 hour ago, vallygolf said:

Only you can determine if a course is worth it. Value is a relative proposition. In my value sphere  Shadow Creek was worth the $500 and then the $600 I shelled out to play it. Spectacular design, pure conditions and the course all to me and my caddie. There are lesser courses I would pay $500 to have the place all to myself. FYI if you request not to be paired up you go out as a single. In my busy world 1K is worth every penny for a leisurely stroll on a top 20 course. Others have different needs and values. Not good or bad just different. Cascata is overpriced but the second best course on the list. Im glad I ponied up and played it once, little harder pill the second time, and I kind of wished I went to Paiute. Bali Hai represents the worst value on the list to me. Below average course at above average price. Wynn is next, but still an above average course with a Pebble Beach price. TPC is slightly above average in both categories.  As noted I have not played Paiute, but it gets constant love and appears well priced. 
 

I really enjoyed the wolf creek experience, but it is a fairly quirky course worth experiencing at least once.  If you are renting a car and gas etc, it will end up costing as much as shadow.  Just depends on your reasons for going to Vegas, and desire to play the best vs to just play a good course. In the realm of “worth the money to me” I have never understood spending thousands to travel to a location to save hundreds playing inferior courses. Unless it is a frequent destination, it is always worth the money to me to play the best a region has to offer. 

Ever play Dragonridge? 

[gmyers22]

I have played Dragon Ridge and it’s really good. I would also throw Reflection Bay out there. 
I have always enjoyed it out there. It is a good layout but the condition was inconsistent when I was going there a lot. 

[Roody]

I've only played TPC and Bali. I enjoyed both. But if my memory serves me correctly, I only paid in the $100-$175 for each of the rounds. Probably because it was back in 2012 when I last played them. 

I can see why people are polarized by Bali. I kinda digged it though, because it's a little different than a lot of courses. I'm guessing people don't like it as much because the holes almost feel "artificial" for lack of a better word. TPC was the better course of the two.

 

[sabram]

15 hours ago, Whisspy said:

I've seen all of the top courses to play in Vegas ( and outskirts) and wondering whether or not it truly is worth the money to spend on the following courses:

 

Shadow - $1000

Wynn - $650 

Cascata - $450

Balil Hali - $250 

TPC Vegas - $250-300

Pauite - $130 

 

I live in NorCal and even this seems super crazy for relatively average courses ( not Shadow).  Which course would you play and why??  

I've played them all, but not at those prices. For me, at those prices, the only ones that I'd play again would be the Paiute courses. The courses at Paiute are as good as any of the others (except perhaps Shadow Creek), the setting/scenery at Paiute is as nice as any of them (except perhaps Shadow Creek) and the price is well below the others. 

 

Paiute Wolf

 

Paiute Sun Mountain

 

Paiute Snow Mountain

[sharkiesj]

I’ve played all the mentioned  courses multiple times.  Not at those prices though. During the summer the price drops significantly at Wynn and Cascata.  Shadow is $$$$$ but it’s meant to be unique experience, and it certainly is.  I’ve posted many times on Shadow and it is Nevada’s No. 1 course.  Not cheap and there’s a price to pay for that upper echelon type of reputation.  Golf in Vegas is fun, they’ve got great courses and Wolf Creek in Mesquite is also a unique golf course, but once was enough for me.  Remember, if you’re lucky at the tables or the slots, golf can essentially be free. Of course, losing $$$ at the tables/slots means no golf at all.  lol.  That’s why they call it gambling…

[sharkiesj]

Golf was essentially “free” at Wynn and Cascata last August. 

 

[LeoLeo99]

I played TPC Vegas for $50 a few years ago on a Golfnow hot deal.  It's a nice course but it's not a $250 course.  But then I have a hard time paying over $100 for any course.  I can get on Cascata with 25% discount and it's still too much for me.  Pauite is out of the way but it's nice golf and the prices are easier to swallow.  

[Yringa]

On 1/14/2022 at 8:44 PM, sharkiesj said:

Golf was essentially “free” at Wynn and Cascata last August. 

 

Nice win!

[gmyers22]

It’s funny you guys say that. I always felt getting out of the Casino  for 5-6 hours was always saving me money no matter what the greens fees are!,😂😂

[vallygolf]

On 1/14/2022 at 5:59 AM, gmyers22 said:

I have played Dragon Ridge and it’s really good. I would also throw Reflection Bay out there. 
I have always enjoyed it out there. It is a good layout but the condition was inconsistent when I was going there a lot. 

+1 Dragon Ridge is worth playing. I say that not knowing what the greens fee is. 

[sabram]

Click on photo to see a few more pix of Dragon Ridge

 

 

[Young Provolone]

Out of all the super expensive days in golf Shadow Creek remains the only experience I will pay for every time. The course is unbelievable in every aspect and the level of VIP treatment is unmatched.
The first time I went there was only one other group with a scheduled tee time for the day so me and 7 of my best friends basically had the whole place to ourselves. I could only imagine how much cooler the experience was before the surrounding area was developed (google Shadow Creek then vs now).

 

Like everything in Vegas playing here is an all out splurge but when you consider how quickly you can spend $1000 at a nightclub/pool party it’s a no brainer on a bachelor party/buddies trip. I like Paiute also but other than that I would head out to Mesquite and play. 

[sharkiesj]

23 hours ago, Yringa said:

Nice win!

Yeah it’s always nice when you win, duh right??!?! lol.  But I’ve lost many times as well too so it all evens out.  If you look close you can see that I got 59 free spins.  I literally sat there for like 30 minutes doing nothing just letting the machine go through the games.  The guy next to me was a bit annoyed that I wouldn’t hit the play button to make the winnings go faster and speed things up. Wife came over and I had her sit down in the chair and I stood right behind her the last 10 free spins.  

[philsRHman]

On 1/13/2022 at 11:04 PM, vallygolf said:

Only you can determine if a course is worth it. Value is a relative proposition. In my value sphere  Shadow Creek was worth the $500 and then the $600 I shelled out to play it. Spectacular design, pure conditions and the course all to me and my caddie. There are lesser courses I would pay $500 to have the place all to myself. FYI if you request not to be paired up you go out as a single. In my busy world 1K is worth every penny for a leisurely stroll on a top 20 course. Others have different needs and values. Not good or bad just different. Cascata is overpriced but the second best course on the list. Im glad I ponied up and played it once, little harder pill the second time, and I kind of wished I went to Paiute. Bali Hai represents the worst value on the list to me. Below average course at above average price. Wynn is next, but still an above average course with a Pebble Beach price. TPC is slightly above average in both categories.  As noted I have not played Paiute, but it gets constant love and appears well priced. 
 

I really enjoyed the wolf creek experience, but it is a fairly quirky course worth experiencing at least once.  If you are renting a car and gas etc, it will end up costing as much as shadow.  Just depends on your reasons for going to Vegas, and desire to play the best vs to just play a good course. In the realm of “worth the money to me” I have never understood spending thousands to travel to a location to save hundreds playing inferior courses. Unless it is a frequent destination, it is always worth the money to me to play the best a region has to offer. 

I think this the right calculus. Overpaying for average is the option to avoid (Bali Hai, TPC). I’ve never played Shadow or Wynn so I can’t weigh in. Cascata was one of my most memorable experiences, so I’d easily recommend it. Paiute is also an excellent facility. If I was playing one round in Vegas I’d probably just go for a big spend. But when I’ve done a 5-8 day golf trip to Vegas (the expensive golf either gets cheap or extremely expensive depending on how the casino treats you the night before), Paiute is a perfect backbone, with several solid days of reasonably priced golf. 
 

I also echo Wolf Creek, which I’ve played 3 or 4 times now. I tell people it’s certainly not the best course I’ve played but it is as different and as cool as anywhere. It’s really video game golf and the drive isn’t bad. 

[dcmidnight]

I admit up front I'm always the only one on this side of the tracks but I thought Wolf Creek was one of the most overrated courses I've ever played. It was gimmicky video game golf on almost every hole - and not in a good way. The scenery was amazing but every course on that list has amazing scenery. Plus after a 90 minute drive to get there it was a tiny range to warm up on, that was mid-irons only. And naturally you can blast away with driver on the first hole. Almost no circumstances under which I'd recommend WC over Paiute or  paying the extra $ and playing Bali Hai (while saving 3 hours of driving).

 

Now Tobacco Road in Pinehurst  - which for most people redefines the word gimmicky - is one of my favorite courses anywhere but I hated WC - couldn't tell you why.

 

On 1/17/2022 at 8:07 AM, Young Provolone said:

Out of all the super expensive days in golf Shadow Creek remains the only experience I will pay for every time. The course is unbelievable in every aspect and the level of VIP treatment is unmatched.
The first time I went there was only one other group with a scheduled tee time for the day so me and 7 of my best friends basically had the whole place to ourselves. I could only imagine how much cooler the experience was before the surrounding area was developed (google Shadow Creek then vs now).

 

Like everything in Vegas playing here is an all out splurge but when you consider how quickly you can spend $1000 at a nightclub/pool party it’s a no brainer on a bachelor party/buddies trip. I like Paiute also but other than that I would head out to Mesquite and play. 

 

Concur with this 1000%. SC is not something we will play every trip but every few trips for sure. I saw more caddies there than I did players - which was no one. Incredible. And FWIW, I'm not a high roller, anyone that stays at an MGM property can play there.

 

BTW same goes for Cascatta or did when we played. If you have any sort of players card I think it entitled you to a much lower greens fee than the rack rate.

 

I think pound for pound Cascatta is the best course on the list. Could play there 2-3 times for the price of one round at Shadow Creek? Absolutely.

Edited January 19, 2022 by dcmidnight

[Whisspy]

On 1/13/2022 at 4:58 PM, gmyers22 said:

I have played all on the list except Wynn. I would say Cascata is my favorite of those listed. 
Paiute is definitely the best bargain and all three courses there are good tracks.

I used to have a house there and played Paiute a lot. 

 

I would just rent a car and head to Mesquite and play Wolf Creek! If that’s an option. About an hour and 15 minutes away. Definitely worth it in my opinion. 

Should I expect a 5.5 hour round from the reviews I’ve read recently ? 

[Whisspy]

On 1/19/2022 at 5:55 AM, dcmidnight said:

I admit up front I'm always the only one on this side of the tracks but I thought Wolf Creek was one of the most overrated courses I've ever played. It was gimmicky video game golf on almost every hole - and not in a good way. The scenery was amazing but every course on that list has amazing scenery. Plus after a 90 minute drive to get there it was a tiny range to warm up on, that was mid-irons only. And naturally you can blast away with driver on the first hole. Almost no circumstances under which I'd recommend WC over Paiute or  paying the extra $ and playing Bali Hai (while saving 3 hours of driving).

 

Now Tobacco Road in Pinehurst  - which for most people redefines the word gimmicky - is one of my favorite courses anywhere but I hated WC - couldn't tell you why.

 

 

Concur with this 1000%. SC is not something we will play every trip but every few trips for sure. I saw more caddies there than I did players - which was no one. Incredible. And FWIW, I'm not a high roller, anyone that stays at an MGM property can play there.

 

BTW same goes for Cascatta or did when we played. If you have any sort of players card I think it entitled you to a much lower greens fee than the rack rate.

 

I think pound for pound Cascatta is the best course on the list. Could play there 2-3 times for the price of one round at Shadow Creek? Absolutely.

What were a couple things you hated the most about WC? 

[Whisspy]

On 1/13/2022 at 5:28 PM, delftw said:

Lived in Vegas for 5 yrs, I second this. All 3 courses at Paiute are great. Bali Hai is nice if youre on the strip, but not for $250. And from the strip youre gonna drive 30ish min to get to Cascata and nearly that for TPC, might as well go for a little further drive and save money over those and play WC

Pauite Wolf or Wolf Creek ? Booked both but choosing one.

[gmyers22]

2 hours ago, Whisspy said:

Should I expect a 5.5 hour round from the reviews I’ve read recently ? 

I will try to answer a couple of your questions. I always played early at Wolf Creek and it was never 5.5 hours. Probably closer to 4.5. 
if you are just playing one course I would say Wolf Creek because it is just a different experience than anything you have played. The elevation changes and the views are crazy. 
I am taking nothing away from Paiute because it’s really good golf and a beautiful facility but not memorable like Wolf Creek.  
kinda funny you bring this up because I am on a little golf trip now with some buddies and they just brought up how we have to go back to Wolf Creek again soon!

[sabram]

The difference between Wolf Creek and the others is the setting. Wolf Creek is not better golf, it's amazing surroundings. The other courses mentioned in this thread are in awe inspiring settings. Wolf Creek's s setting is over the top. Click on the link to see photos

 https://www.flickr.com/gp/golfcoursepix/mnzb45

Edited January 23, 2022 by sabram

[dcmidnight]

WC is like playing the silliest, most tricked out Golden Tee course you have ever seen. I've never seen another course like it.

But that didn't make it fun to play. Just about every hole had extreme elevation changes and/or extreme doglegs. Many had both. Several holes didnt just have false fronts but if the ball came off the front, it could be 50+ yards back in the fairway. To us - my opinion - it was not fun and we will not be going back. But hey, tons of people think its great.

 

Yes, it looks like nothing you have ever seen before. And if thats your thing, by all means go there. But for $200+? Just cant recommend it given all the other options LV offers. Especially when you factor in the drive time. If you like driving that much, check out St George Utah, its just up the road and everyone we talked to raved about it.

Edited January 24, 2022 by dcmidnight

[TK3]

On 1/14/2022 at 9:44 AM, sabram said:

I've played them all, but not at those prices. For me, at those prices, the only ones that I'd play again would be the Paiute courses. The courses at Paiute are as good as any of the others (except perhaps Shadow Creek), the setting/scenery at Paiute is as nice as any of them (except perhaps Shadow Creek) and the price is well below the others. 

 

Paiute Wolf

 

Paiute Sun Mountain

 

Paiute Snow Mountain

I have played all 3 Paiute courses and they are excellent.  For a real test, play The Wolf from the tips on a windy day (then again, it is always windy @ Paiute).  Perfect conditioning and a pleasure to play no matter which of the 3 you choose.

[eboettne]

I say play whatever course you can get the best deal on, always seem to find one. I've played the following in that area over the past 5 years:

 

- Wolf Creek - $95 in September - had a blast and would play again in a second

- Falcon Ridge - $25-30(afternoon in september) - would like to play it again when I'm not close to passing out from the heat

- Sand Hollow - $80 while staying at the resort (back 9 was unlike anything I've seen prior or since)

- Coyote Springs - $80, really good course with a cool middle of nowhere vibe

- Reflection Bay - $75, my favorite Nicklaus course I've played

- Bali Hai - $90, would play every time I'm there for this price. Convenience and party atmosphere appealed to me, also really liked the indonesia feel and thougth the par 3s were all really good

- Wynn - $375, loved the experience and course was incredible. Wouldn't pay to play it again though, one time thing for me

- Revere Golf Club - Concord - $50-60, did nothing for me, wouldn't play it again for free. View from clubhouse was spectacular however

- The Legacy Golf Club - About $40-50, also did nothing for me. A lot of hosues around the course

- Las Vegas Golf Center Par 3 Course - $20, fun little course to hit up right off the plane with views of the strip. You get what you pay for

- TPC Las Vegas - Friend was the head pro so played it for free, really nice desert course in pristine condition. I'd probably pay $100ish to play here

[dcmidnight]

Glad to hear someone else liked Bali Hai. Fun track and when I'm in Vegas, you cant put a price on being able to take a quick/cheap cab ride to a course.