Shadow Creek Las Vegas

Dillinger · October 1, 2011

Anyone here been to Shadow Creek? I dont understand how they can stay in buisness when it is only open to Hotel guests. No one can play there unless you are a guest at a MGM Hotel in LasVegas. They are forcing us to book MGM if you want to play the best course anywhere near Vegas, I like the Palms. I am going in November if everything works out. I would love to hear if it is everything I have hear that it is. Tell me everything even about the service and the ride out to the course.

I am playing the TOP 100 courses in the world and this will get my list down to 63 needed. I will play Cypress, Shinnecock and East lake in 2012. I will have to say the courses at Bandon dunes are my #1 #2 #3 #4 that I have ever played and I have played 4 of top ten on Golf Digests list of top 100. My #5 is St. Andrews Old Course. All I can say is go to Bandon and you will have died and gone to Golf Heaven. #6 is Nags Head Golf Links.

Pebble, whistling straights and Erin Hills are all in the top ten but not sure what order. I would like to play in Dubai I hear its nice. I want to play the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. Its suposed to be very nice. Thanks for youor help with info on shadow creek and I couldnt help but tell everyone about Bandon again. I want to move there but my wife does not . It really is awsome.

stevopagolf · October 1, 2011

I have played shadow creek. It was an outstanding experience. Very Very well done. You forget you are in vegas. Has a very Pinehurst/Carolina feel. You will enjoy it. I have been to Bandon 5x and agree that it is the truly best golf resort in the US. Play 36 at Bandon in the same day for less than Pebble Beach.

Only drawback to Bandon is it is a remote and sleepy place. Nothing but golf. Food is good at the resort but there is nothing around Bandon for miles..

Good luck on your qwest

raynorfan1 · October 1, 2011

[quote name='Dillinger' timestamp='1317492835' post='3612007']
Anyone here been to Shadow Creek? I dont understand how they can stay in buisness when it is only open to Hotel guests. No one can play there unless you are a guest at a MGM Hotel in LasVegas. They are forcing us to book MGM if you want to play the best course anywhere near Vegas, I like the Palms.
[/quote]

Cascata used to be the same way with Caesars. Apparently when it first opened, it was invite only and limited to a small number of casino VIPs. Literally something like 3 foursomes a day went out. When Harrah's bought Caesars, they opened it up to all hotel guests (including at sister properties), and when the economy went south, they opened it to the public (for $375 plus caddie).

Vegas is a funny place. They want people (i.e. gamblers) to feel special and build loyalty with a brand, and one of the primary ways they do this is by limiting access. They basically have created a whole economy of stuff that you cannot buy, it can only be bestowed upon you if you lose enough money - with the definition of 'enough' changing on an hourly basis.

My experience with golf at these high-roller courses (Shadow Creek, Cascata, Wynn) is that the pace of play is BRUTALLY slow, as people spend 10 minutes lining up 2' putts. Granted, they probably have a lot of $$$ riding on them, but it's pretty annoying to play behind.

jwadds · October 5, 2011

Shadow can afford to do this because they don't need to turn a profit. They are considered to be an amenity to the MGM properties. What they lose over the course of one year is made up in a few nights at a craps table.

If you are playing anymore golf while you are in town, I suggest Primm Valley. Back in 2000, both of their courses were in the top 100 public courses in America by Golf Digest. Also, they are prepping to host a Champions Tour q-school qualifier, so it's in good shape

melo · October 5, 2011

[quote name='jwadds' timestamp='1317859397' post='3631037']
Shadow can afford to do this because they don't need to turn a profit. They are considered to be an amenity to the MGM properties. What they lose over the course of one year is made up in a few nights at a craps table.

If you are playing anymore golf while you are in town, I suggest Primm Valley. Back in 2000, both of their courses were in the top 100 public courses in America by Golf Digest. Also, they are prepping to host a Champions Tour q-school qualifier, so it's in good shape
[/quote]

If you are looking for a great golf experience in vegas (i lived there for about a year), then you'll want to play the TPC las vegas, Shadow, Wynn, Cascata, Primm, and Bali Hai.

While Shadow Creek is a bit slow, and expensive, i believe it is worth the money. It's an absolutely breathtaking course, and no expense is spared in terms of amenities, courtesy, course care and conditioning, and customer service.

If you are forced to choose, i would make sure to play the TPC, Shadowcreek, Primm, and Cascata.

mlesser · October 23, 2011

Hey all,

I have played Shadow Creek a few times. So, hopefully I can help out with some feedback that can help with your questions.

1) On the question about staying at a MGM resort. The first time we played there what we did was book a night at the Excalibur for $29.00 the day of and then we actually ended up cancelling by the 4pm check in time at no charge. The second time I just spoke to the casino host at the Venetian ( were we stay everytime ) and they hooked everything up. Everyone is all friends out there and they all help each other out.

2) The ride out is nothing special to be honest, they pick you up in a limo and they take you there and pick you up. You throw them a tip on both sides and honestly it would be cheaper renting a car and driving there and having a car all day. It is nice that the ride is included as it takes away from the hassle of having to rent a car or take a taxi.

3) The customer service at Shadow was great, you get treated like a queen or a king. Plus they do not nickel and dime you on water, soda, snacks, etc. it is all included. When I was at Shadow one time there were two groups on the course and the second time there were four groups. The caddies are GREAT and actually knew the breaks in the greens, etc.

4) Is it worth it ? Well, I think it is a great course and in Vegas $500 dollars isnt much. However, would I ever pay $500 to play it again if it wasnt in Vegas ? Na, I do not think I would.

5) In terms of Vegas golf, I have played most of the known courses and I actually like the Wynn alot because of the idea of being on the Strip and all the Strip hotel views. But, in terms of value and good golf I actually like the Paiute Courses the best. You pay around $120 bucks and you get all you can play golf and lunch. All the Walters Courses are overpriced and not worth the money. Bahi Hai is the worst, they have planes that fly over you the whole time and the course both times I played it wasnt in the best shape. Dragon Ridge if you can get on is nice as well.

oil9911 · October 24, 2011

Has anyone golfed Shadow Creek in the last couple months?

I read a post on another forum from a guy who golfed it in August. He mentioned that there were LOTS of dead spots, and not in the best shape.

I am heading there in 2 weeks, and was hoping to get some feedback. After lots of research, and talking to several forum members, if it isn't in tip top shape, I'll probably look to golf Cascata.

Thanks in advance!

Rob

jdhallissey · October 24, 2011

Put it this way if your spending over 150 bucks the course better be in damn good shape or the management is going to hear more then a ear full and I have gone to my bank and told them I am going to dispute the charge for the course offering cart fees. (I did that when I played Torry Pines south) If you do play there and it is really not up to standards, I mean if the greens are rolling true and smooth but a little brown I will not complain along with the fairways. I mean if everything is punched, sanded, or you are playing on dirt fairways then yes you have a case. A little brown or yellow but it is still playable I wouldn't worry about it.

I have been reading that the course took a major hit this summer with the weather, but still at 500 a round they can't figure out when to water?

Capecodder19 · October 24, 2011

[quote name='Dillinger' timestamp='1317492835' post='3612007']
Anyone here been to Shadow Creek? I dont understand how they can stay in buisness when it is only open to Hotel guests. No one can play there unless you are a guest at a MGM Hotel in LasVegas. They are forcing us to book MGM if you want to play the best course anywhere near Vegas, I like the Palms. I am going in November if everything works out. I would love to hear if it is everything I have hear that it is. Tell me everything even about the service and the ride out to the course.

I am playing the TOP 100 courses in the world and this will get my list down to 63 needed. I will play Cypress, Shinnecock and East lake in 2012. I will have to say the courses at Bandon dunes are my #1 #2 #3 #4 that I have ever played and I have played 4 of top ten on Golf Digests list of top 100. My #5 is St. Andrews Old Course. All I can say is go to Bandon and you will have died and gone to Golf Heaven. #6 is Nags Head Golf Links.
Pebble, whistling straights and Erin Hills are all in the top ten but not sure what order. I would like to play in Dubai I hear its nice. I want to play the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. Its suposed to be very nice. Thanks for youor help with info on shadow creek and I couldnt help but tell everyone about Bandon again. I want to move there but my wife does not . It really is awsome.
[/quote]

Cypress will blow away any course you mentioned, imo...but I agree on Bandon, what a golf experience. Old MacDonald is very fun.

mlesser · October 28, 2011

[quote name='oil9911' timestamp='1319498432' post='3713093']
Has anyone golfed Shadow Creek in the last couple months?

I read a post on another forum from a guy who golfed it in August. He mentioned that there were LOTS of dead spots, and not in the best shape.

I am heading there in 2 weeks, and was hoping to get some feedback. After lots of research, and talking to several forum members, if it isn't in tip top shape, I'll probably look to golf Cascata.

Thanks in advance!

Rob
[/quote]

Played it a few months ago along with Cascata. Both had dry spots as a FYI. Actually out of the 3 big courses - Cascata, Wynn and Shadow. The Wynn was in the best shape.