World’s most expensive green fee goes up at the Creek

Shadow Creek, which is a 20-minute drive from Las Vegas, costs $1,000 to play in peak season

A golf course in America that already held the record for having the most expensive green fee in the world has raised its own bar by increasing the cost of 18 holes from $600 to an eye-watering $1,000 (£725).

Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas has enjoyed its status as having the world’s most expensive green fee on and off since it first opened in 1990, only losing its top spot briefly when Pebble Beach raises its fee to $575. However, a rise to $600 in 2019 has now been eclipsed by the latest 66% increase, which takes the price for 18 holes into four figures.

First built as a private club for hotel and property magnate Steve Wynn to entertain his clients and celebrity friends, the Tom Fazio-designed course has been open to the public for nearly 20 years, although in order to be able to secure a tee time guests must already be staying at Wynn’s MGM hotel in Las Vegas, which is 20-minute drive by private limousine from the course. Only two four-balls are allowed per day, and only between Monday and Thursday.

The $1,000 fee applies to its peak season (March to May; plus October and November), with the off-peak rate being $750.

Ranked 27th on Golf Digest’s latest ranking of America’s 100 greatest golf courses, and fifth on the public golf courses list, Shadow Creek has hosted several professional tournaments in recent years, including the PGA Tour’s CJ Cup in October 2020, as well as the ‘The Match’, a made-for-TV showdown between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in 2018.