3.28.2011

shadow;creek

Those who know of Las Vegas’ Shadow Creek GC are familiar with its exclusive ways. Play at this wonder is restricted to guests at MGM-owned hotels (President Clinton once was refused a tee time because he wasn’t staying at an MGM property) who are either comped or willing to pay the $500 green fee. Even that does not guarantee a tee time—some cash play is turned down to keep rounds played to approximately 40 per day. On March 30 through April 3, however, Shadow Creek is opening its doors. If you want to see this architectural marvel first-hand, the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational offers that opportunity (tickets start at $25; visit

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MJCIGolf.com). Jordan, who has played the course more than 100 times, always has a small army of celebrities and sports stars at his event, but this time they will share top billing with Shadow Creek. Originally nothing more than desolate, scarred brown earth, Shadow Creek took shape after casino magnate Steve Wynn gave architect Tom Fazio a blank check and an open time frame to create a course that Wynn once said “was supposed to excite one’s emotions, and then test one’s golf.” Fazio delivered on both counts. And for a few days, non-high rollers can enjoy the experience he created. Even if they can’t bring their clubs. —E. Michael Johnson