Las Vegas Golf Courses Ranked: Where to Tee Off Like a Pro
Picture this: you’re standing on the 18th tee at Shadow Creek, the same course where Tiger Woods has played countless rounds, with the Las Vegas Strip glittering in the distance as you line up your final shot. This isn’t just a dream—it’s the reality that awaits golf enthusiasts in Sin City, where world-class courses rival the entertainment and dining experiences that made Vegas famous.
Las Vegas has transformed from a desert gambling destination into a premier golf paradise, hosting over 50 courses that cater to every skill level and budget. Whether you’re a scratch golfer seeking championship-caliber challenges or a weekend warrior looking for scenic fairways, the Vegas valley delivers an unmatched combination of stunning desert landscapes, innovative course design, and luxury amenities.
Key Takeaways
- Shadow Creek and TPC Las Vegas lead the premium tier, offering tournament-quality experiences with greens fees ranging from $200-$600
- Desert courses like Bear’s Best and Red Rock Country Club provide spectacular mountain views and unique desert hazards
- Budget-friendly options such as Las Vegas National and Angel Park offer excellent value without sacrificing quality
- Peak season (October-April) offers ideal weather but higher prices, while summer brings significant discounts
- Advance booking is essential for top-tier courses, with some requiring 30+ days notice during peak periods
🏆 Tier 1: Championship Elite Courses
1. Shadow Creek Golf Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Shadow Creek stands as the crown jewel of Las Vegas golf, consistently ranked among America’s top courses. This Tom Fazio masterpiece was originally built as a private retreat for MGM executives and high-roller guests.
What Makes It Special:
- Exclusive access limited to MGM resort guests
- Lush, parkland-style design rare in the desert
- Waterfalls, creeks, and mature trees creating an oasis atmosphere
- Caddies included with every round
Key Stats:
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,560 yards (championship tees)
- Greens Fee: $500-$600
- Difficulty: Expert level
“Shadow Creek doesn’t feel like Las Vegas—it feels like Augusta National dropped into the Nevada desert.” – Golf Digest
2. TPC Las Vegas
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Home to the Shriners Children’s Open on the PGA Tour, TPC Las Vegas offers golfers the chance to play where the pros compete annually. The course features dramatic elevation changes and panoramic valley views.
Standout Features:
- Tournament pedigree with PGA Tour history
- Stadium-style holes with spectator mounds
- Desert target golf requiring precision over power
- Practice facilities rivaling tour venues
Key Stats:
- Par: 71
- Yardage: 7,081 yards
- Greens Fee: $200-$400
- Best Time: October-April
3. Wynn Golf Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The only on-Strip golf course, Wynn Golf Club epitomizes luxury with its exclusive access policy and immaculate conditioning. Tom Fazio designed this course as a private sanctuary for Wynn resort guests.
Exclusive Elements:
- Resort guests only policy maintains exclusivity
- Concierge-level service throughout the experience
- Pristine conditioning with no expense spared
- Intimate 18-hole layout maximizing limited space
Key Stats:
- Par: 70
- Yardage: 7,042 yards
- Greens Fee: $500+
- Access: Wynn/Encore guests only
🌄 Tier 2: Premium Desert Experiences
4. Red Rock Country Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Set against the stunning Red Rock Canyon backdrop, this Arnold Palmer design showcases the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert while providing a challenging test of golf.
Desert Highlights:
- Red Rock Canyon views from every hole
- Strategic bunkering and desert waste areas
- Elevation changes adding complexity
- Wildlife encounters with desert fauna
5. Bear’s Best Las Vegas
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
This unique concept course features 18 replica holes from Jack Nicklaus’s favorite designs worldwide, offering a “greatest hits” collection in one round.
Signature Features:
- Replica holes from famous Nicklaus courses
- Dramatic desert setting in the foothills
- Variety in design with each hole telling a story
- Educational experience learning golf course architecture
6. Rio Secco Golf Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Formerly Tiger Woods’s home course during his Vegas visits, Rio Secco offers a pure desert experience with challenging forced carries and strategic shot-making.
Notable Aspects:
- Tiger Woods connection and PGA Tour pedigree
- Desert target golf with penalty areas
- Spectacular views of the Las Vegas skyline
- Butch Harmon School of Golf on-site
💎 Tier 3: Excellent Value Courses
7. Las Vegas National Golf Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
A historic gem that hosted the Tournament of Champions, Las Vegas National offers classic parkland golf just minutes from the Strip.
Historical Significance:
- PGA Tour history spanning decades
- Classic design by Bert Stamps
- Mature landscaping creating tree-lined fairways
- Affordable luxury with premium amenities
8. Angel Park Golf Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Featuring two Arnold Palmer designs, Angel Park caters to all skill levels while maintaining championship quality and conditioning.
Dual Course Benefits:
- Mountain Course: Championship challenge
- Palm Course: Resort-style playability
- Lighted par-3 course for evening play
- Excellent practice facilities
9. Bali Hai Golf Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
The closest course to the Strip, Bali Hai offers a tropical paradise theme with South Pacific landscaping and water features throughout.
Tropical Elements:
- Lush tropical landscaping unique to Vegas
- Water features on multiple holes
- Strip proximity for convenient access
- Resort atmosphere with island-style amenities
🏌️ Tier 4: Budget-Friendly Options
10. Siena Golf Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
This Schmidt-Curley design offers championship-quality golf at affordable rates, featuring dramatic elevation changes and desert vistas.
11. Revere Golf Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
Located in Henderson, Revere provides two distinct courses (Concord and Lexington) with different character and challenge levels.
12. Stallion Mountain Country Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
A local favorite offering consistent conditioning and fair pricing, perfect for regular play and golf outings.
🏌️ Find Your Perfect Las Vegas Golf Course
📅 Best Times to Play Las Vegas Golf
Peak Season (October – April)
Weather: Perfect conditions with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F
Pros: Ideal playing conditions, lush course conditions
Cons: Higher greens fees, crowded courses, advance booking essential
Shoulder Season (May & September)
Weather: Warm but manageable (80-95°F)
Pros: Moderate pricing, good availability
Cons: Afternoon heat can be challenging
Summer Season (June – August)
Weather: Hot desert conditions (95-115°F)
Pros: Significant discounts (up to 50% off), early morning tee times available
Cons: Extreme heat, courses may reduce maintenance
💰 Pricing and Value Considerations
Luxury Tier ($500+)
- Shadow Creek, Wynn Golf Club
- Includes: Caddies, premium amenities, exclusive access
- Best Value: Weekday rounds in summer
Premium Tier ($200-$400)
- TPC Las Vegas, Red Rock Country Club, Bear’s Best
- Includes: Cart, practice facilities, quality conditioning
- Best Value: Twilight rates and off-season pricing
Value Tier ($50-$200)
- Las Vegas National, Angel Park, Bali Hai
- Includes: Cart, basic amenities
- Best Value: Summer morning rates, local resident discounts
🎯 Insider Tips for Las Vegas Golf
Booking Strategies
- Book 30+ days in advance for premium courses
- Consider package deals with hotels for better rates
- Check for last-minute deals on booking apps
- Join course newsletters for exclusive offers
Playing Conditions
- Hydrate extensively – desert climate is dehydrating
- Start early during summer months (dawn patrol rates)
- Bring extra balls – desert courses can be unforgiving
- Rent GPS carts for unfamiliar desert layouts
Equipment Considerations
- High-loft wedges for desert sand and hardpan
- Extra gloves due to dry conditions
- Sunscreen and hat are absolutely essential
- Range finder helpful for desert target golf
🏌️♀️ Course-Specific Strategies
Desert Course Strategy
- Accuracy over distance – desert penalties are severe
- Club selection crucial for forced carries
- Read the wind – desert courses often exposed
- Conservative approach on unfamiliar holes
Parkland Course Strategy
- Traditional shot-making applies
- Tree-lined fairways require precision
- Water hazards more predictable than desert
- Greens typically softer and more receptive
🌟 Special Events and Tournaments
Las Vegas hosts several prestigious golf events throughout the year:
Shriners Children’s Open (October)
- PGA Tour event at TPC Las Vegas
- Public access to practice rounds
- Pro-am opportunities for qualified amateurs
Las Vegas Golf Classic (Various Venues)
- Amateur tournament series
- Multiple skill divisions available
- Networking opportunities with local golf community
🚗 Transportation and Logistics
Getting Around
- Rental car recommended for multiple course visits
- Uber/Lyft readily available to most courses
- Hotel shuttle services to affiliated courses
- Golf packages often include transportation
Accommodation Partnerships
Many courses offer preferred rates for guests of partner hotels:
- MGM Properties → Shadow Creek access
- Wynn/Encore → Wynn Golf Club exclusive access
- Station Casinos → Red Rock Country Club packages
🎁 Package Deals and Memberships
Stay-and-Play Packages
- 3-night/2-round packages starting at $299
- Luxury packages including premium courses
- Group discounts for 8+ players
- Corporate packages with meeting facilities
Membership Options
- Reciprocal privileges through home club memberships
- Seasonal memberships for winter residents
- Corporate memberships for business entertainment
- Junior programs for developing golfers
Conclusion
Las Vegas has evolved into a world-class golf destination that rivals traditional golf meccas like Scottsdale and Myrtle Beach. From the exclusive luxury of Shadow Creek to the accessible excellence of Angel Park, the city offers unparalleled variety in course design, challenge level, and price points.
The key to maximizing your Las Vegas golf experience lies in strategic planning: book premium courses well in advance, consider shoulder seasons for better value, and don’t overlook the excellent mid-tier options that deliver championship-quality golf without the premium price tag.
Your Next Steps:
- Determine your budget and skill level preferences
- Book tee times 30+ days in advance for peak season
- Consider stay-and-play packages for multiple rounds
- Download course apps for GPS and scoring
- Pack appropriate gear for desert conditions
Whether you’re planning a golf-focused trip or adding a round to your Vegas vacation, these courses provide the perfect complement to the city’s entertainment offerings. The combination of challenging golf, stunning scenery, and world-class amenities ensures that your Las Vegas golf experience will be as memorable as any jackpot.
Remember: in Las Vegas, the house always wins—but on these golf courses, every player has the chance to feel like a champion. 🏆
