[Golfers' Bucket List⑭] 'Number 27' Shadow Creek "A Luxury Course in the Middle of the Desert?"

Peak Season Green Fee Reaches a Staggering 1.2 Million Won, MGM Resort Casino VIPs and Notables Play 'President Golf', Course Strategy Keyword: 'Jeongta'

Shadow Creek features its distinctive small stream starting from the 1st hole.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Ranked 27th among the top 100 golf courses in the United States."

The fourteenth course is Shadow Creek (Par 72, 7,560 yards) in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is where the PGA Tour's The CJ Cup was held last year. It is located just 15 minutes from downtown. The green fee rising to $1,000 (1.2 million KRW) during peak seasons (March-May, October-November) is intriguing. Among the 20,000 courses in the U.S., it is famous as the ultimate luxury contender, competing for first place alongside Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

Casino hotel magnate Steve Wynn commissioned world-renowned designer Tom Fazio to open the course in 1990. It is astonishing that thousands of trees and various plants were planted in the middle of the desert. This was due to an investment of a staggering $47 million (55.86 billion KRW). In fact, over 200 species of trees create different landscapes on each hole, complemented by ponds, streams, and bunkers of various sizes. Since there are not many players, one can enjoy what is called 'presidential golf.'

It became public in 2000 after MGM Resorts acquired it. Naturally, it is no ordinary public course. Casino VIPs staying at MGM Resorts and prominent figures from various sectors use it. They are chauffeured to the golf course by limousine according to their tee times. The lockers bear the names of former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, NBA superstar Michael Jordan (USA), and ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky (Canada).

Shadok Creek's 8th hole has tough rough lurking in front of the green.

Amateur golfers became widely familiar with the course through the 2018 special event 'Capital One’s The Match,' where 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson faced off one-on-one. Mickelson drew even more spotlight by winning the $9 million (1.0697 billion KRW) jackpot after a grueling 22-hole battle, including four playoff holes. Jason Kokrak (USA) shot 8-under on the final day of The CJ Cup, achieving a '232nd try, 233rd success.' His 94.44% greens in regulation and pinpoint iron shots stood out.

For amateur golfers who manage to secure tickets by staying at MGM Resorts, the key to conquering the course is absolutely 'accurate shots.' Most holes feature undulating fairways that bend left and right, and in front of the greens, there are always streams or bunkers lurking. The first hole (Par 4) has a stream, and the second hole (Par 4) features a minefield of bunkers to the right of the green. The fourth hole (Par 5) is accompanied by a beautiful pond on the left side of the fairway.

All four Par 3 holes are 'signature holes' where maintaining your score is difficult. The fifth hole requires clearing the forest directly, the eighth hole has thick rough, and the front of the greens on the 13th and 17th holes are lakes. The 11th hole (Par 4) on the back nine is relatively short, making it a good opportunity to aim for a birdie. Conversely, the 16th hole (Par 5) is a daunting 622 yards. The final 18th hole (Par 5) is the most spectacular. Three ponds line the right side of the fairway consecutively, concluding a long journey at the green.