Desert Greens: The World-Class Golf Courses of Las Vegas

A version of this article was originally published in the Spring 2025 edition of Elliman Magazine.

The Strip might be skyscraper central, but there are many other breathtaking views to admire around Las Vegas. Some of the best—and most unexpected—can be found on the world-class golf courses nearby.

THINK GREENS

Ringed by the majestic Sierra Nevadas, Shadow Creek Golf Course is the ultimate desert oasis, with mature pines, streams, waterfalls, and perfectly manicured fairways. The Tom Fazio–designed course is as challenging as it is beautiful (lots of doglegs), but therein lies its appeal. You’re in good company when you tee off here: Pro athletes from Michael Jordan to Phil Mickelson have played Shadow Creek. Though it was once open to the public (and boasted the most expensive green fees in the country), now you must be a guest of MGM Resorts to book a tee time. It’s likely to cost more than your hotel room, but it’s well worth the expense. Put it on your golf bucket list.

Equally tempting—and also designed by Tom Fazio—is the Summit Club Golf Course, exclusively for residents of the Summit neighborhood, in Summerlin. If you’re lucky enough to get an invitation from a member, don’t pass it up. It’s one of the state’s hardest courses to access. With Red Rock Canyon as a backdrop and a vista of the Las Vegas Strip (less than 10 miles away), the views are as marvelous as the golf.

Nearby and equally scenic is TPC Summerlin, a private course dotted with meandering streams, honey mesquite and pine trees, and carefully preserved wildlife habitats. (It was the first course in the state certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System by Audubon International.) Don’t let the beautiful setting lull you into complacency; it sets the stage for seriously challenging play. TPC Summerlin hosts the PGA Tour’s Shriners Children’s Open every year.