Monday, March 31, 2014

57 (Public) Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (Gold Course)


March 28, 2014

I had the opportunity to fly out and visit my son (Wes), who is in the Marine Corp and is finishing up training in Norfolk, for the weekend. Since he didn't get liberty until 5 p.m., I decided to take the red eye from Seattle so I could get a round of golf in before we spent an awesome weekend to spend together. After a quick review of the top 100 lists, I saw that Golden Horseshoe Golf Club had it's gold course listed as the #59 public course in the U.S. It does have a second course, the Green Course, as well as an executive course, the Spotswood Course. Usually when a top 100 club has multiple courses, I like to try them all. However, I only had time for one round on this trip so chose the top 100 course.

The golf club is in one of the most interesting areas of the country, literally one block from downtown Colonial Williamsburg and several miles from both Historic Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement. All three played an important role during the American Revolutionary War. Wes and I spent Saturday exploring Yorktown and I highly suggest adding an extra day to the golf trip just to explore these awesome iconic locations of American history.

As for the golf experience, I drove straight from Norfolk International Airport to Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. The weather forecast had called for thunderstorms and heavy rain starting around 1 p.m. and as my tee time was scheduled for 11 a.m., I was a bit worried. I was able to move it up to 10:40 a.m. once I arrived which gave me a bit more breathing room to try and get a full round in.

A view of the clubhouse from the street.
Upon arrival, I made my way to the proshop where I was met by a very "snoody" attendant. She took my money and sent me on my way without even so much as a hello.  As I made my way to the golf cart area, I was greeted by the ranger who pointed out hole #1 and the range. He also provided me with a bucket of range balls and seemed a bit more friendly.

The entrance sign welcoming you to the club.
I drove up to what is the smallest range I have ever witnessed. It had seven mats in use, with one of them tucked behind a large oak tree with only 30 yards of clearance. As the other mats were taken, this is the one I was relegated to. I had to hit hooks during my warm up just to get around the tree. During my 30 minute warm up, I received many stares and sneers by older members who seem to be bothered that a visitor would spoil their club with his presence. I tried to say hello and all I received was upturned noses. It was very disappointing, but I went through my regular warm up routine and proceeded to the starter station. He was more friendly then most I had met and explained the tee boxes, yardages of each, and a few tricky holes to watch out for. He then introduced me to my playing partner for the day, Mr. Schulz, who was a retired Navy man. He seemed friendly enough, though not keenly interested in much conversation.  We started our round.

I was excited to play this course as it does contain two of the World's Greatest 500 Golf Holes at #16 and #17. However, with the looming thunderstorms, I was worried I may not even get to them.

Before I detail the round, let me preface by advising that I was disappointed in the overall condition of the course, even if winter is just ending in Virginia. The tee boxes and some fairways were "chewed up" at best. The fringe around almost all greens were very "patchy" with spots of grass more than one inch taller next to a patch of almost no grass. This was completely surrounding most of every green on the course. I was advised they fill in and are exceptional in the late spring and early summer. However, on this day, a pitch was needed from the fringe because the golf ball would bounce more like a basketball when putted from the fringe. Also, most of the green were in average to below average shape and they were very firm and fast. I saw signs of possible aeration and sanding (maybe a month before), but no one from the club staff I had met had mentioned the condition of the course at all.

A look down the fairway from the #1 tee box.
The first hole is a 402 yard, par 4 from the tips, and starts with a drive down a slight downhill, and then a slight dogleg uphill and to the right. The fairway does angle slightly down and to the left which can send an inaccurate drive into trees and pine straw.

A look towards the #1 green from the dogleg turn.
After making the turn in the dogleg, the hill rises gradually to the green, with a moderate size sandtrap on the front right. The greens aren't very tricky and a shot towards the pin is fairly easy to make.

A look into the #1 green from 75 yards out.
The second hole can be tricky. It is a par 5 that plays 498 yards from the tips. A straight drive of 280 yarsd or so bring you to the edge of a hill that slopes sharply downward.

A look down the fairway from the #2 tee box.
Once you reach the top of the hill, you see that you have approximately 220 yards to the front edge of the green, playing over water.
A look into the #2 green from the top of the hill.
Unless you can hit your 3 wood at least 230 yards, the nest play is to lay up short of the lake and play your third shot onto the green.  The green does funnel back towards the middle and down towards the lake. I mishit can put you in the water very easily.
A look into the #2 green from 130 yards out.
Hole 3 is the first par 3 of the day, playing 201 yards from the tips. The distance is helped somewhat but an elevated tee playing down towards the green approximately 40-60 feet below the tee box. The green slopes very slightly from right to left. The bunkers on the front and back can make for a difficult hole if you find yourself in them because the ball will not stop or slow down coming out of the sand. If you are hitting from the back bunker, you have a very real chance of rolling off the green and into the lake below.

A look at #3 green from the tee box.
Hole #4 is a par 4 that plays 421 yards from the tips. It is a slight dogleg to the right that rolls downhill just after the right side fairway bunker, before the hill rises up towards the green. The best option for your tee shot here is just over the left side of the right sand trap. This will land your ball middle of the fairway where it will catch the hill and roll down, leaving a short iron into the green.
A look down the fairway from the #4 tee box.
The #4 green is guarded by a large sand trap left and a small sand trap right. It is a fairly easy, straight shot to the pin.
A look into the green from the middle of the fairway even with the sand trap.
Hole #5 is a fairly short par 4, playing 348 yards from the tips. The tee shot is a blind one as you can't see the kidney-shaped green. However, the fairway is fairly straight, with one bunker on the right side approximately 50-60 yards before you reach the green.

A look down the fairway from the #5 tee box.

A look into the #5 green from the right side sand trap, 50-60 yards from center green.

A look into #5 green from center of the fairway, approximately 50 yards out.
Once you top the hill, you can see the green. A shot too far will send it off the green and down the hill into the woods as it is a kidney-shaped green that turns to the left.

A closer look at #5 green.
Hole #6 is the second par 5 on the front 9, playing 485 yards from the tips.The fairway turns a slight right and downhill once you clear the uphill drive.

A look down the fairway from the #6 tee box.
A drive of 230 yards or so will get you to the top of the hill so you can see the green.The fairway narrows slightly, making for a more difficult third shot if your ball catches the hill poorly and rolls into the woods.
A look into the #6 green from the top of the hill.

A closer look into the #6 green from 200 yards out.
The bunkers on the front left and right, and the very large bunker across the entire back of the green calls for a precise shot onto the middle of the green. If you hit a wood from out here trying for under green in regulation, there is a high probability your ball will find the back bunker as almost every green is impossible to stick.
A look into the #6 green from 100 yards out.
Hole #7 is the second par 3 of the front 9. Like the first par 3, you play from an elevated tee box, 206 yards from the tips. The green has three bunkers guarding it in fairly strategic locations. If you do not land the green, chances are your ball will be in a trap or it will roll down hill into the water. The wind was also blowing into our face on this round, adding an extra club to the shot.

A look into the #7 green from the tee box.

A closer look at #7 green.
Hole #8 is a slight dogleg left and is a par 4, playing 337 yards from the tips. A long drive will allow you to cut the corner over the trees, leaving an excellent chance at birdie. A straight drive to around 220 yards will fly you through the fairway and into the three sand traps waiting for you where the fairway turns left.

A look down the fairway from the #8 tee box.
Once you make the turn in the center of the fairway, the green and the two green-side bunkers come into view. This was the first "tricky: green I experienced in the round and had to read the break from both sides of the hole.
A look into the #8 green from 150 yards out.
Hole #9 is a par 4 that plays 372 yards from the tips. At approximately 250 yards, the fairway turns slightly left towards the green.

A look down the fairway from the #9 tee box.
Once you make the turn to the green, you find it is guarded by two left-side bunkers and one right-side bunker.  The green also rolls up hill, and half way up, runs back down hill. The flag on this day was situated on the precipice of the hill. If you hit your shot too far, it will roll down and into the trees.

A look into the #9 green from 50 yards out.
Hole #10 is a par 4 that plays 466 yards from the tips. It turns right and downhill after 250 yards or so.

A look from the center fairway of #10 back toward the tee box.
After making the turn in the fairway, the green comes into view. It is guarded by two moderately deep bunkers on each side.The green slopes slightly right to left but shouldn't have to much affect on your approach shot.
A look into the #10 green from 200 yards out.

A look into #10 green from 75 yards out.
Hole #11 is a par 4 that plays 403 yards from the tips. What is not pictured below is the difficult tee shot from all but the front tee box. The middle and back tee boxes are almost 150 yards further back and have to hit through a 25-30 yard wide opening in the trees and across a ravine, that turns to the right after clearing the trees. Any errant shot that is not straight will get lost in the woods.
A look down the fairway from the #11 front tee box.
Once you have cleared the narrow opening through the trees, your approach shot is into a green that is sloped fairly sharply from right to left. As fast as the greens are, it is important to place your shot below the hole. Any putt downhill is almost impossible to make.

A look into the #11 green from 100 yards out.
Hole #12 is the first par 3 on the back 9, playing 188 yards from the tips. It is also sloped towards the water and too much spin will have your ball roll into the hazard.

A look at #12 green from the tee box.
Hole #13 is a short par 4, playing 363 yards from the tips. The fairway turns slightly left to a green guarded by four bunkers.
A look down the fairway from the #13 tee box.
A 200 yard drive will take you to the center of the fairway and the turn so you get your first view of the green.

A look into the #13 green from 150 yards out.
Hole #14 is a par 4, slight dogleg right, that plays 445 yards from the tips. Much like the 4th hole, the drive should cross the left edge of the right-side fairway bunker. This will allow the ball to land middle of the fairway and roll downhill towards the green.

A look down the fairway from the #14 tee box.
The approach shot is to a slightly elevated green that rises uphill in the front half and rolls downhill on the back half. Again, if you hit your ball to the back of the green, there is a chance it will roll off and into the woods.
A look into the #14 green from 120 yards out.
Hole #15 is the longest par 5 on the course, playing 634 yards from the tips! It is a fairly straight hole that can be reached in three with well placed, straight shots.

A look down the fairway from the #15 tee box.
Once you have traversed half the state of Virginia, the green finally comes into view. There are small bunkers to the right and back of the green. There is also a fairly steep bunker to the front left that you definitely want to stay out of. Hitting from it will almost always make your ball roll off the backside of the green due to the quickness of the green.

A look into the #15 green from 60 yards out.
After a short ride down the cart path, you are greeted with a bench and a special sign advising you are about to play two of the top 500 holes in the world. It is a perfect build up to the anticipation that you have waited for the entire round. Luckily, the rain held off until just after we finished the round so I was able to play the full course in dry conditions.

A sign introducing you to holes 16 and 17.
The 16th plays 169 yards from the tip and if the wind is blowing, it is at your back. From the World's Greatest 500 Golf Holes:

The 17th at the TPC at Sawgrass may get more publicity, but this island green is just as intimidating. Built in 1963 - a full 15 years before Pete Dye designed the TPC - the 16th hole is 30 yards longer than its more famous cousin. Two sets of tees provide various playing angles - the green is longer but narrower from the blue tees, the shallower but wider from the white tees.
A look into the #16 green from the tee box.
The 17th is a par 4 that plays 435 yards from the tips. The drive is through a narrow opening from the trees. From the World's Greatest 500 Golf Holes:

Golden Horseshoe is a fine example of a recent course giving average amateurs a taste of major-championship-caliber holes, at a slightly lower degree of difficulty. The narrow 17th is reminiscent of a classic U.S. Open finishing hole, meaning the objective is clear and the artificial hazards are few. Lined by trees on both sides, the fairway appears narrow from the tee, though in reality it's fairly generous. An uphill second shot, to a green guarded by two front bunkers, demands a good swing.

A view down the fairway from the #17 tee box.
Once you clear the trees, you are faced with a fairly long uphill fairway to the green.

A look towards the #17 green after clearing the opening with the drive.
A look down onto the #17 green from the cart path.
Hole #18 is par 4 that plays 444 yards from the tips. The fairway dogleg lefts and downhill towards the green at approximately 250 yards from the tee box. A drive just to the right side of the left trees is ideal.

A look down the fairway from the #18 tee box.
After making the turn in the dogleg, the hill slopes down to a green that is surrounded on more than half by water. As fast as the greens play, the best shot is probably a low shot that will land and run onto the green instead of a high shot that lands on the green and has to come to a stop.

A look into the green from 100 yards out.
Overall, Golden Horseshoe's Gold Course was a fun course to play. However, with green fees as high as Harbour Town, Bandon Dunes, and Streamsong, I expected more. I also think there are much better and friendlier courses available in the Norfolk and Williamsburg area, such as Kingsmill ResortWilliamsburg National, and Newsport News Golf Club. My advice is if you have only one or two days, try out the other exceptional courses in the area. If you have a week, then fit this one into your schedule. But, plan it on days when it might rain so you won't be overly disappointed if you have to cancel.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Ballyneal Golf Club added for October!



I have received an invitation to play Ballyneal Golf Club in Holyoke, CO, on October 7. There is a required one night stay in their lodge which is planned for October 6. Ballyneal is ranked as the #75 course in the world and #40 in the U.S.

I have also been advised I can bring up to three guests with me.  If you wish to join me, feel free to email me.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Updated blog name

The old title "One Guy's Goal to play the top 100 courses in the U.S. and the World" was entirely too long. It was difficult to give the name to people I met that I played a round with. And it was just not catchy.  After brainstorming, my wife came up with the name "Letters from the Links" and it makes sense.  So, the title of the blog, as well as the banner, has been changed to reflect the changes.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Another course added to the list for March!

I have had a last minute trip come up for the end of March. I am headed to Norfolk, VA, on the red eye flight Thursday night (March 27). Since I land at 9 am and don't have anything scheduled until 3:30 pm, I decided to do a quick Google search. It showed me that the Golden Horseshoe Golf Course was located approximately 40 miles from the airport.  Since the gold course there is ranked #59 on the Top 100 Public Courses, I gave them a call and secured a tee time for 10:30 a.m.

Wes and I are also playing both courses at Williamsburg National GC on Saturday. My 2014 travel schedule has been updated to reflect the three additions.

Virginia here I come.

Monday, March 17, 2014

56 (U.S.) / 18 (Public) Shadow Creek Golf Club


March 17, 2014

I played Shadow Creek Golf Club earlier today and the prevailing thought that has dominated my mind over the last few hours since finishing is wow!

As I wore my new Shadow Creek logo polo to lunch after arriving back at my hotel, I was asked half a dozen times if the cost was worth it. The short answer is most definitely. After all, it has two of the 500 greatest holes in the world as listed in The World's 500 Greatest Golf Holes (#17 and #18).

For those that aren't aware, the green fee is a flat $500. The caddie fee is anywhere from $50 to whatever you think the caddie has earned. A new logo shirt is $100. A logo ball is $5. That is a tremendous amount of money for one round of golf. My answer is still most definitely. Oh, and lest I forget to mention, you have to be a guest at an MGM resort property to even be considered for a tee time. Even the U.S. President and the Canadian Prime Minister were denied a tee time because they were not guests at an MGM Resort Property according to this news article in the Las Vegas Sun newspaper.

You don't drive to Shadow Creek. The front gate won't let you enter.  You are picked up at the lobby of your hotel by a stretch limousine and transported north of the city to the golf course.

The course is surrounded by a big black wrought iron fence in a 360 acre area. The drive from the gate to the clubhouse is a few miles. Along the way, you see one of the two residences located on the property. The drive really sets the tone for what you are about to experience. Trees line the road and the gaps between the trees are filled with lush green grass. At the end of the drive is the clubhouse, a simple, green and white building. There is nothing that screams glitz or glamour like what you find back on the strip. But, attention to detail stands out as you stroll through the clubhouse to let you know you are in for a treat.

The Shadow Creek Golf Course Club House
Once the limo pulls to a stop, you are greeted by two or three staff members and your assigned caddie. One staff member takes care of your clubs. Another staff member gives you a tour of the facility. My caddie, Scott, who was fantastic the entire day, asked if I needed anything and advised he would meet me on the practice range.  After the tour of the clubhouse, I was led to the gentlemen's locker room. It is the single largest golf locker room I have ever been inside.

A look from the front right corner of the locker room.
The lockers are hardwood and have famous names on them, from former presidents, to famous athletes, to business leaders across the world.

A closer view of the back half of the locker room.
While changing into my golf shoes, I was advised to feel free to take my time with a stroll through the clubhouse at my leisure since they don't really observe tee times. I obtained permission to take photos on the course before leaving the locker room. I made my way to the pro shop where I paid my green fee, as well as purchased a new Shadow Creek logo golf shirt and logo golf ball for my cabinet. Once I had finished spending a paycheck worth of cash, I headed out to the practice facility.

One note to remember while reading this blog.  Keep reminding yourself that each photo is taking at a golf course located in the middle of a desert. It shows what enough money and determination can build. It is reported to have cost more than $60 million to build. There are more than 200 types of trees spread throughout the course. There is also numerous forms of wildlife found throughout, including the ever-present pheasants. The course features rolling terrain, valleys, creeks, trees, and gulches, as well as any other topographical feature you can imagine, and all of them were sculpted from the once flat desert wasteland. I have read if you were blindfolded and a helicopter dropped you off here, that once you removed the blindfold, you would think you were in the Carolinas or Georgia. It is absolutely a true statement. The only sand I saw on the entire course was in the sand traps. There was no desert seen anywhere on the course. All distances noted below are from the regular tees. The back tees and championship tees are a good distance further than what is listed in the below notes and photos.

The day was perfect for golf. It was 55 degrees at the start of the day, rising to around 70 by the end of the round. There was a light breeze throughout the day to keep it pleasant. And, the sky was clear blue with only a few clouds scattered about. The greens were firm, but fair, throughout the day. A few greens ran quick, but it was nothing like my round at Cascata GC yesterday, where the ball would rocket off the green.

A look down the fairway from the #1 tee box.
The first hole is a 344 yard, par 4.  It turns towards the left but isn't a true dogleg, though the green is hard to see from the tee box. You want to hit your drive to the left center and allow the land to carry the ball back to the center.

On the approach shot to the green, you want to stay left. The rolling fairway runs down into the creek on the right. The green undulates a bit, but nothing that can't be read with the help of your caddie.

A look in the the 1st green from 130 yards out.
The second hole is a par 4 that plays 381 yards. After carrying the valley on your drive, the fairway gradually slopes to the right.

A look down the fairway from the #2 tee box.
 Once you make your way down the fairway, the green comes into view. The first thing that is immediately noticeable is the three large bunkers that guard the land around the green. These greens can be very steep at certain places and it is best to follow my daughter's advice - Do not, do not, do not go into the sand.
A look into the #2 green from 150 yards out.
As I have started doing a good bit when I play a new course, I look back down the fairway from the green to get a better idea of what the course architect was looking at when designing the course. On this particular hole, it struck me that from the tee box, and even from the center of the fairway, you can not really see how steep the slope of the fairway is when you get closer to the green. I tried to catch the grade in the photo below.

A look back down the #2 fairway from behind the #2 green.
Hole #3 is the third consecutive par 4, playing a long 449 yards. The fairway slopes precariously left towards the lake on the left side. Much like the first hole, you want to hit your drive to the high side of the fairway and let the hill roll your ball back to center.

A look down the fairway from the #3 tee box.
 Once you get down near the left side sand traps, the green comes into view. A small hill on the right side can make for a tricky approach shot depending on where the pin is placed.
A look into the #3 green from 180 yards out.
The 4th hole is the first par 5 on the course, playing at 512 yards. It is a horseshoe shaped fairway that follows the edge of a large lake. It is surreal that a weeping willow dominates the center of sight at a course located in the desert.

A look down the fairway from the #5 tee box.
As you move down the cart path, the green comes into view, giving you a sneak peak of what to expect in a few, upcoming shots.

The #4 green can be seen across the lake.
 Once you get around the bend of the fairway, a straight on look into the green opens up. It is a risk-reward hole, as you can choose to hit straight across the water that is right next to the green, or you can go right of the green and play it safe.

A look into the #4 green from 130 yards out.
The back of the #4 green is guarded on both sides by large bunkers. Like quite a few greens at Shadow Creek, this one is a multi-tiered green, and an errant shot can send the ball rolling off the green and towards the numerous hazards around it.

A look into the #4 green from 70 yards out.
Hole #5 is the first par 3 of the course and plays 140 yards long. You are also treated to this same view as you are taking the initial drive to the clubhouse from the gate. The layout of the hole is reminiscent to Augusta or Pine Valley and is a gorgeous hole. You want to stay to the left center of the green, but not the left edge. The left edge is going to have your ball run all the way down into the valley. The right side of the green has a slight slope, but your ball will pick up speed and quickly exit that side of the green if you start out left of the pin.

A look into #5 green from the tee box.
Hole #6 is a Par 5 that plays 442 yards long. It is a slight dogleg right and the play is to the left center of the fairway to afford a straight in look to the green.

A look down the fairway from the #6 tee box.
Once at the turn in the dogleg, you get a terrific view of the green. The fairway slopes down towards the green. There are large bunkers along the right side to be aware of.

A look into the #6 green from 200 yards out.
Hole #7 is a 490 yard, par 5. The drive should be to the right center so the ball can roll down and to the left towards the green.

A look down the fairway from the #7 tee box.
After clearing the hill, you are left with a fairway that initially slopes from right to left before leveling off. A large bunker on the right may catch your ball driven to the right center, but it is still probably a better option than hitting your second shot from the trees on the left.

A look down the #7 fairway at the top of the hill affords a great view into the green.
The front of the #7 green is guarded by four sand traps. The shot to the right side of the green should roll back left as the slope of the green will take the ball that way most of the time.

A look into #7 green from 50 yards.
Looking back down the #7 fairway is an incredible view, not only of the golf hole, but of the mountains in the distance. Mount Charleston Alpine Resort Golf Club was a 9 hole course that was located on that snow-capped mountain on the left. It went out of business several years ago, but my caddie assures me the views were fantastic.

A look back down the #7 fairway from the #7 green.
Hole #8 is the second par 3 on the course, playing 162 yards. The elevation of the tee box is higher than the green, allowing you to go a club shorter. The green slopes down and to the right, so if you don't hit just the right shot, you will likely find yourself below the green, in either the rough or the sand trap.

A look into the #8 green from the tee box.
 The 9th hole is a 391 yard, par 4. The water follows the left side of the fairway all the way to the green. The drive should stay to the right side of the fairway, keeping you well clear of the water and giving a good look at the second shot.

A look down the fairway from the #9 tee box.
 After passing the right side fairway bunkers, you see where the creek winds its way towards the center of the green before flowing back left.
A look into the 9th green from 200 yards out.
 If you didn't stay on the right side of the fairway, the shot into the green will be challenging, as you have to play up a slight hill and over sand. There is an opportunity that you can hit to the hill on the right of the green and the slope will carry your ball back towards the flag.
A look into the 9th green from 60 yards out.
The back 9 starts off the same as the front, with three consecutive par 4s. Hole 10 plays 394 yards. It is a dogleg right. If you hit the drive over the right side bunker, your view into the green will be obstructed by a large tree. The play is definitely to the left side of the fairway.

A look down the fairway from the #10 tee box.
Once you make the turn at the dogleg, the green comes into view. As mentioned above, if your drive went right, you are going to have a difficult shot to get over the tree and onto the green. Even from the left side, only half of the green is visible. On this day, the flag could barely be seen on the left edge of the large tree.
A look into the 10th green from 150 yards out.
 The 11th hole is a par 4 that plays 284 yards. It is a very short par 4 that awards a long hitter. However, you should remember that this green is fairly quick and the chance of holding the green with a driver is almost nil.

A look down the fairway from the 11th tee box.

A closer look into the 11th green from just below the bunker.
 The 12th hole is a 355 yard, par 4. It is a fairly straight, uphill fairway. A shot to the left or right can lead to trouble so center is definitely your best option here.

A look down the fairway from the 12th tee box.
 The majority of the green is tucked in behind the right side bunkers. The hill on the right slopes back down into the green from right to left, allowing the ball to roll back towards the hole.
A look into the 12th green from 130 yards out.
The 13th hole is the first par 3 on the back 9, playing from a long 203 yards at the regulation tees, and a mammoth 257 yards from the tips. The front left of the green slopes sharply downhill and you can easily find a short shot back in the rough. If the ball leaks too far right, you could find it rolling off the green and towards water.

A look into the green from the 13th tee box.
The 14th hole is a 442 yard, par 4. It is a dogleg right. A ball hit to the left side of the fairway will haev the slope leading the ball right and into the center of the fairway for your second shot.

A look down the fairway from the 14th tee box.
After clearing the dogleg, the green comes into view. A large lake is found on the right and a group of trees to the left. The fairway rolls downhill towards the green, helping reach the long par 4 with a GIR.

Looking down towards the 14th green from the turn of the dogleg.
 A view into the green shows it slopes very slightly away from the lake, creating a chance to really go for a shot straight at the flag.

A look into the 14th green from 160 yards out.
The 15th hole is a 433 yard, par 4. From the tee box, it looks like the fairway initially slopes right to left and then levels out. However, as you get further down the fairway, you see that it continues increasing its slope from right to left all the way to the green.

A look down the fairway from the 15th tee box.
Your first view of the green is from around 200 yards out. You also get your first view of the creek that cuts across the fairway in front of the green.

A look into the 15th green from 200 yards out.

A look into the 15th green from 150 yards out.
As you get closer to the green, more of the creek and rocks come into view. The green also slopes right to the left, creating a difficult approach shot. The creek that flows beside the green and fairway create a very peaceful, bubbling sound that makes one want to take a nap next to it.

A look back down the 15th fairway from behind the 15th green.
The 16th hole is the longest on the course, playing 561 yards from the regulation tees and 622 yards from the tips. The fairway creates a S-shape to follow, first turning right and then back left towards the green.

A look down the fairway from the 16th tee box.
 Once you reach the top of the hill, you can see where the fairway moves downhill and turns back left.

A look from the center of the 16th fairway towards the green.
Once you navigate the two turns of the fairway, you find and undulating green guarded on the right by steep bunkers. If you find yourself in one of them, a par or better is going to be a difficult mark to achieve.
A look into the green from 30 yards out.
A look back down the 16th fairway shows the beauty of Shadow Creek and prepares you for the signature hole you are about to experience at 17.

A look back down the 16th fairway from the 16th green.
The 17th hole is the signature hole of Shadow Creek and is listed in The World's 500 Greatest Golf Holes. It is a par 3 that plays 140 yards, and has three different vantages points depending on which tee boxes are being utilized. A waterfall flows on the back left side of the green, creating a stunning golf hole. The green is guarded by three bunkers to round out the difficulty of the shot.


A look into the green from the 17th tee box.
The 18th hole is a par 5 that plays 503 yards. Like the 17th, this hole is also listed in the The World's 500 Greatest Golf Holes. I believe they made the last hole a par 5 because most people don't want to leave and want to have a long hole to finish the round and prolong the inevitable departure of Shadow Creek. The drive to the left side of the fairway keeps you clear of several bunkers and a larger body of water.

A look down the fairway from the 18th tee box.
Once around the water and over the hill, the green comes into view. It is guarded on the front and right by a lake. To the right of the lake (not pictured) is Steve Wynn's old house.
A look into the 18th green from 150 yards out. 
A look into the 18th green from 80 yards out.
Overall, the Shadow Creek experience was tremendous. It made traveling to Las Vegas worth it. Is it a large amount of money to spend on a round of golf? Sure it is. But, the course, the staff, and my awesome caddie, Scott, helped to create an awesome golfing memory that will last a lifetime. For that kind of memory, it is hard to say there is a price too high.

I look forward to the next time I can schedule a tee time at Shadow Creek. I definitely plan to play it again.