Shadow Creek Golf Course Fees
A round at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas typically costs $500–$750 per player, plus a mandatory caddie gratuity of $100–$150 in cash. The exact price depends on the season, day of week, and which MGM property you book through. That fee includes 18 holes, a forecaddie, a shared cart, and practice facility access—but not taxes, tips, or food. Below is the full breakdown of costs, what you get for the money, and how to book.
What You’ll Pay for a Round at Shadow Creek
Shadow Creek does not post a fixed price list. Fees shift by demand and hotel channel. Based on current 2025 rates, expect these ranges:
- Standard green fee: $500–$750 per player (includes forecaddie, cart, range balls).
- Caddie gratuity: $100–$150 per bag, paid in cash directly to the caddie.
- Club rental: $100–$150 per set.
- Shoe rental: $50–$60.
- On-course food and drink: about $15–$30 per item (sandwich, beer, snacks).
- Optional locker room tip: $10–$20.
Peak season (November–March) and weekends push the fee toward the $750 end. Summer rounds (June–August) often land nearer $500–$550. Holidays command the highest rates.
Typical Add-Ons Table
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Forecaddie gratuity (per bag) | $100–$150 |
| Club rental (per set) | $100–$150 |
| Shoe rental | $50–$60 |
| Range balls | Included in green fee |
| On-course sandwich or drink | $15–$30 per item |
| Locker room tip (optional) | $10–$20 |
How to Pin Down the Exact Price for Your Date
The only way to get a firm quote is to call the MGM concierge at the property where you’re staying (Aria, Bellagio, MGM Grand, etc.) and ask for the Shadow Creek booking desk. They can confirm the green fee for your specific date, any resort surcharges, and current availability. Do not rely on third-party websites—rates shown there are often outdated or inflated by 15–30% markups.
What the Fee Actually Includes
The green fee covers more than 18 holes. Every player receives:
- Forecaddie (mandatory; one per group) who provides yardages, reads greens, rakes bunkers, and manages pace of play.
- Shared electric cart with GPS and a course guide.
- Practice facility (driving range, chipping and putting greens).
- Locker room amenities (shower, locker, shoe cleaning) and valet parking.
Not included: taxes, gratuity, club or shoe rental, any pro shop merchandise, and restaurant or beverage cart purchases.
Real-World Example of a Typical Round
A summer weekday round for two players, each renting clubs and ordering one beer and a sandwich:
- Green fee (low end): $500 × 2 = $1,000
- Club rental: $125 × 2 = $250
- Caddie gratuity: $125 × 2 = $250
- Food and drink: ~$25 × 2 = $50
- Total for the pair: about $1,550 (plus taxes on green fee and food).
On a peak weekend with the full $750 green fee and the same extras, the total jumps to roughly $2,050.
How to Book a Tee Time — Hotel Access Only
Shadow Creek does not accept walk-ins or direct public reservations. Access is granted exclusively through MGM Resorts.
Booking Paths
- Hotel guest (best price): Stay at any participating MGM property. Contact the concierge or dedicated Shadow Creek booking line up to 90 days in advance. The green fee is often billed to your room at the hotel’s pass-through rate, which runs $100–$200 cheaper than third-party packagers.
- Non-guest via packager: Some travel agents and golf packagers (e.g., Golf Las Vegas Today, Tee Times USA) can broker a tee time, but they typically markup the fee 15–30%. You may also need to book a hotel room as part of the package.
- High-limit casino guests: If you have a casino host at an MGM property, ask about a comped or reduced round. This is negotiated privately and not available to standard guests.
Cancellation Policy
Most hotels require 48–72 hours notice for a full refund. Inside that window, you forfeit 50–100% of the fee. Always confirm the exact policy at the time of booking—it varies by property.
A common trade-off: if you cancel inside 48 hours because of weather or a schedule change, you lose a significant chunk of money. There is no rain-check option. Consider buying travel insurance or booking only when your plans are solid.
Are There Any Discounts or Member Rates?
Shadow Creek does not offer traditional memberships, twilight rates, resident discounts, or loyalty-program reductions.
- The best discount: Book as an MGM hotel guest rather than through a third-party packager. That alone can save $100–$200.
- Off-season summer play: Fees fall toward the $500 low end, but there is no formal “summer special” promotion.
- Corporate or group rates: Large groups (16+ players) may negotiate a slightly lower per-player rate through the hotel’s group sales department. This requires planning weeks in advance.
No military, senior, junior, or veteran discounts exist.
Caddie and Additional Costs That Add Up
The mandatory forecaddie is part of the experience, but the gratuity is entirely your responsibility. Plan for at least $100–$150 per player in cash. The caddie receives the full amount; the course does not take a cut.
Practical tip: Bring enough cash for the gratuity because ATMs at the course may not be reliable, and the caddie expects cash. If you’re in a group of four sharing one forecaddie, you can pool the tip—each player still should bring $25–$40 in small bills to contribute.
How Shadow Creek Compares to Similar Private-Access Courses
Shadow Creek falls into the same tier as Pebble Beach Golf Links ($625–$750 green fee, plus cart and caddie) and the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island ($400–$600, caddie optional). Unlike those courses, Shadow Creek has no public tee time available at any price. You must be an MGM guest or book through an authorized packager. That exclusivity adds a layer of complexity and cost that many other top-tier resort courses do not impose.
For the same $500–$750, you can play Pebble Beach with full public access, but you will pay extra for a caddie (optional, $100+) and cart. Shadow Creek’s caddie requirement is built into the green fee, and the course remains far less crowded—often only 60–70 rounds per day. If you prioritize a private, uncrowded experience and already plan to stay on the Strip, Shadow Creek is a more direct choice. If you want flexibility in booking and cost control, a course like Cascata (also MGM-owned, but with public tee times and a lower $350–$550 fee) may be a better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public play Shadow Creek without staying at an MGM hotel?
In practice, no. Some third-party packagers can book tee times, but they usually require a hotel stay as part of the package. There is no public reservation line.
Is the caddie mandatory?
Yes. Every group is assigned a forecaddie, and the cost is included in the green fee. Gratuity is separate but expected.
What is the cancellation policy?
Most hotels require 48–72 hours notice for a full refund. Inside 48 hours, you typically lose at least 50% of the fee. Confirm at booking.
Are there any military, senior, or junior discounts?
No. Shadow Creek does not offer any discounted rates based on age, residency, or veteran status.
How far in advance should I book?
Up to 90 days ahead is the standard window. For peak season weekends, book the maximum allowed time out.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.