Revealed: The Best Casino Golf Resorts in the US for 2025

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Best Casino Golf Courses

No longer are casinos a solitary affair. Instead, they’re ubiquitously part of much larger, sprawling casino resorts, packed to the rafters with hotels, restaurants, and all manner of entertainment options. And one of the most popular diversions for those finished spreading their chips on the roulette table? Golf.

For the uninitiated, the idea of a casino golf course might be off-putting. But these golf courses don’t mirror the gaudiness of casinos near you - don’t expect neon-tinged greens and tees when you step onto the first. Instead, they’re some of the most impressive the US has to offer, with spectacular vistas, perfectly manicured greens, and holes that challenge even the most accomplished player.

In fact, many even spurn the chance to play at the famed casino tables, instead focusing on getting in a good 18 holes. And casinos know this, putting together attractive stay-and-play packages to attract golfing fans to their resorts. Get people on the greens first, then hopefully they’ll spend their cash at the casinos, restaurants, and bars after.

You’ll find tons of casino golf resorts throughout the USA, from the deserts of Nevada to the lush and verdant plains of the Midwest. So, which do you choose? It’s tough separating one from the other, but that’s why we’ve parachuted in to help.

On this page, you’ll read about a selection of the best casino golf courses the United States has to offer. Some, like the famous Shadow Creek, are reserved solely for players with big pockets, while others are accessible to all. But all offer a barnstorming 18-hole experience, complimented by top-class entertainment off the course.

So, sit back and enjoy reading about the three best casino golf resorts in each area of the United States. Which would you choose for your next golfing break?

CONTENTS

BEST CASINO GOLF COURSES IN WESTERN USA

Many beautiful courses adorn the coasts, valleys, and deserts of the Western USA. From the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas courses to the stunning landscapes of California’s wine regions, there’s something for every golf enthusiast to savor.

We’ve picked three of the best casino golf courses in the Western USA below:

1. SHADOW CREEK, NV

Shadow Creek, Nevada
Location:Las Vegas, NevadaPar:72
Casino:MGM Resorts InternationalCourse Rating:74.5
Opened:1990Phone:(866) 260-0069
Designer:Tom FazioEmail:Not listed
Yardage:7,560 yardsWebsite:HERE

Shadow Creek, perfectly sculpted into the Nevada desert by Tom Fazio, is considered a masterpiece - an enduring example of how golf courses can combine challenging conditions with indescribable beauty. That’s why it was chosen in 2018 for the infamous $9,000,000 showdown between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

Make no mistake, Shadow Creek is a course designed for the more experienced hand, with no hole considered a gimme by even the best players. Designer Tom Fazio says it best: “Any tee shot allowing use of a putter for a second shot is an accomplishment.”

Of all holes, the 18th is the highlight, a 529-yard par 5, offering glittering rewards to those prepared to risk it all and take on the three lakes lining the hole’s right flank.

The downside? Deep pockets are needed to make time on this most impressive of courses a reality, with a single 18-hole round reputedly costing somewhere in the region of $1,250 during peak season. But if you’re a golf junkie, it’s money well spent.

To play, check into any MGM Resorts International hotel in Las Vegas, including the MGM Grand or Bellagio Hotel & Casino. From there, you’ll get VIP limousine transport to the course, along with a personal caddie to guide you on your round.

2. YOCHA DEHE, CA

Yocha Dehe, CA
Location:Brooks, CaliforniaPar:72
Casino:Cache Creek Casino ResortCourse Rating:75.0
Opened:2008Phone:(530) 796-4653
Designer:Brad BellEmail:rtorres@cachecreek.com 
Yardage:7,337 yardsWebsite:HERE

Our second-best casino golf course in SW USA can be found at the Cache Creek Casino Resort, Brooks - approximately an hour’s drive from Downtown Sacramento. The course is called Yocha Dehe, which translates as “Home by the Spring Water”, and is owned by the Yocha Dehe Wingtun Nation, hence the name.

Yocha Dehe was designed by Brad Bell and offers some of the most pristine surfaces in the country. Pair this with the spectacular California scenery, plus a glass of something from nearby Capay Valley vineyards after your round, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a memorable day on the course.

There are several highlights to Yocha Dehe, but the 15th hole, named Wihnem Ka Cha, takes first prize. This hole challenges even the most skilful to navigate both lake and creek, plus forces a decision between two fairways, both with their advantages and individual challenges.

Another upside to Yocha Dehe is the prices, with tee times available for less than $100 per person. And you don’t have to be a resident at Cache Creek Casino Resort to play, with tee times readily available to the general public.

If you stay at the resort, you’ll also have access to various other amenities, including a spa, outdoor pool, and casino with over 2,300 slots, hundreds of table games, and free live entertainment every weekend. Don’t forget to check out Enso Sushi, one of 11 eateries, which offers some of the freshest sushi in Northern California.

3. BARONA CREEK, CA

Barona Creek, CA
Location:Lakeside, CAPar:71
Casino:Barona Resort & CasinoCourse Rating:73.8
Opened:2001Phone:(619) 387-7018
Designer:Gary Roger BairdEmail:info@barona.com 
Yardage:7,075 yardsWebsite:HERE

Our third and final course in the West is also in California, but this time way down south, just east of San Diego. Part of the Barona Resort & Casino, it offers 7,075 yards of stunning scenery, encompassing several creeks, a famous oak on the first, and 100 strategically placed bunkers to challenge players of all levels.

Designed by Todd Eckenrode and Gary Roger Baird, Barona Creek is a challenging one, albeit one offering players a chance to excel on every hole. Also included are plenty of shady spots to shelter from the relentless sun of Southern California.

But which hole is the highlight? The 14th deserves an honorable mention, but the top spot belongs to the par three seventh, where you’ll generally hit into the wind and have no bailout options when you aim for the green.

Price-wise, this course costs $100 per round on a weekend, a steal in comparison to many other inferior places to play. It’s also open to the public, with no requirement to stay and play at the Barona Resort & Casino.

But if you do decide to take advantage of the resort’s various other amenities, you’ll find plenty to entertain. The blackjack experience is regularly voted the best in California, and even the country, while plentiful restaurants cater to diverse tastes. Spacious, comfortable rooms only enhance the experience.

BEST CASINO GOLF COURSES IN SOUTHWESTERN USA

Now, we move to the Southwestern USA, where you’ll find stunning courses hidden among the sand of Arizona and New Mexico, along with bountiful top-class locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

Again, we’ve picked three of the best in the region - check them out below:

1. SAGUARO AT WE-KO-PA, AZ

Saguaro at We-Ko-Pa, AZ
Location:Scottsdale, AZPar:71
Casino:We-Ko-Pa Casino ResortCourse Rating:72.0
Opened:2006Phone:(480) 836-9000
Designer:Bill Coore and Ben CrenshawEmail:info@wekopa.com 
Yardage:6,897 yardsWebsite:HERE

Taking the title of best casino golf course in the Southwest US is the Saguaro course at We-Ko-Pa. This world-famous venue lies to the east of Phoenix, in an area adorned with several high-quality courses, most notably TPC Scottsdale, host of the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open.

The Saguaro was designed by the formidable duo of Bill Coore and two-time Masters winner Ben Crenshaw. Unlike many other names on this list, it was created with the recreational golfer in mind, offering a more amateur-friendly layout. But don’t make the mistake of going easy while playing, as there are still significant challenges on every hole, alongside stunning views of the Sonoran landscape.

The highlight of the Saguaro is the par 4 tenth - a short hole daring players to attempt to carry the bunker blocking immediate access to the green. For those more conservative in their approach, the safer line to the left is often the preferred option.

Price-wise, the Saguaro doesn’t come cheap - residents of the resort should expect to pay around $300 during peak season, while AZ I.D holders can play a round for $209. A 36-hole package, allowing you to experience both We-Ko-Pa courses, will set you back $565 in peak season.

With two world-class courses, this is the perfect place to head for a weekend of golf, interspersed with visits to the attached casino and dining at several top-class restaurants within the resort. You could even stay longer and experience some of the other famous courses in the Phoenix area.

2. AK-CHIN SOUTHERN DUNES, AZ

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, AZ
Location:Phoenix, AZPar:72
Casino:Harrah’s Ak-ChinCourse Rating:75.1
Opened:2002Phone:(480) 367-8949
Designer:Lee Schmidt and Brian CurleyEmail:nate.cummings@troon.com 
Yardage:7,546 yardsWebsite:HERE

The number two casino golf course in the Southwest goes to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, affiliated with Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino. But despite this link with the Caesars-owned property, anyone can head online and book a tee time. Stay-and-play packages are available for residents of the casino resort.

Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is an experience in itself, regardless of ability. Views of the incredible desert expanse dominate, but the course itself is far from barren, boasting lush greens and several water features. A complete renovation in 2014 made it more accessible to the average player while still retaining its attraction for more proficient golfers.

The 16th hole, called the “Gopher Snake”, is the highlight. This 578-yard par 5 challenges you to avoid bunkers on either side of the fairway as you attempt to reach the green in two, courtesy of two long drives. But hitting that green is tricky, as it’s narrow, plus is flanked by sand. Get it right, and you could make a birdie, or even better.

But what does a round at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes cost? Somewhat annoyingly for some, dynamic pricing is used to determine price, meaning the cost of a round constantly fluctuates. However, expect to pay around $100 to $150 per person on a weekend.

Once your round is over, hit the Arroyo Grille for a bite to eat, or head into the Harrah’s casino, which boasts over 1,000 slots and video poker games, as well as several tables. There’s also a 24/7 Caesars sportsbook, perfect for golf betting, as well as a bingo hall, several restaurants, live entertainment, and a 529-room hotel.

3. SANDIA, NM

Sandia, NM
Location:Albuquerque, NMPar:72
Casino:Sandia Resort & CasinoCourse Rating:76.1
Opened:2005Phone:(505) 798-3990
Designer:Scott MillerEmail:Not listed
Yardage:7,772 yardsWebsite:HERE

The first two names in the Southwest are in Arizona, but for our third-placed entry, we move east to New Mexico. Opened in 2005, the Sandia Golf Club is an arm of the Sandia Resort & Casino. Designed by Scott Miller, this 7,772-yard course near Albuquerque is one of the most scenic around and perfect for players looking for challenging greens.

Regularly ranked as one of New Mexico’s top golf courses, Sandia is a strong choice for players of all levels. The 48 bunkers provide constant challenges, as do the tricky greens, but there’s still plenty to enjoy for lower-level players. And even if you do fail to hit expected heights on the course, there’s still plenty to enjoy in the attached casino.

The 6th hole is a highlight. With a fairway split by the desert, it offers an unusual design, and you’ll be challenged to place a pinpoint shot on whichever side you choose. The fact the hole is short for a par 4 is misleading, as the thin fairways and often challenging pin placement mean there’s plenty of opportunity for wayward shots and long putts, making hitting par far from certain.

Green fees at Sandia aren’t too horrific, making it affordable even for more recreational players. The average player should expect to pay around $70 for a round. However, dynamic pricing is used, so prices can be elevated during periods of high demand, such as weekends.

Away from the course, you’ll find the highly-rated Sandia Resort & Casino. Hit the casino floor, and you’ll discover nearly 2,000 slots, plus several tables. There’s also a 14-table poker room, often ranking as the best in NM, along with bingo and a sportsbook. Away from the casino, there’s a spa and several bars and restaurants, plus live entertainment is a regular feature, with names like Tim McGraw and Joe Bonamassa regularly strutting their stuff.

BEST CASINO GOLF COURSES IN SOUTHEASTERN USA

Now, we move to the Southeast, another hotbed for top-quality golf courses. While you won’t find any casino golf courses quite on the level of Augusta or Pinehurst, you will find plenty of venues more than worth shelling out a few bucks for.

Take a look below to see our thoughts on the top three casino golf courses you’ll find in SE USA.

1. FALLEN OAK, MS

Fallen Oak, MS
Location:Saucier, MSPar:72
Casino:Beau RivageCourse Rating:76.5
Opened:2006Phone:(877) 805-4657
Designer:Tom FazioEmail:Not listed
Yardage:7,487 yardsWebsite:HERE

Our number one casino golf course in the Southeast can be found way down in Mississippi, alongside the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino near Biloxi. Owned by MGM Resorts, you can’t just walk in and play at this top course nestled within De Soto National Forest - instead, you must be a guest at the Beau Rivage to secure one of the coveted tee times.

Designed by Tom Fazio, Fallen Oak has 7,487 yards and offers a truly Southern experience, featuring ancient groves of pecans and magnolias, as well as beautiful lakes and streams. The course is undoubtedly a challenging one and offers dramatic elevation changes, adding an extra dimension to any round.

There are several holes worthy of being highlighted, including the 1st, 3rd, and 15th. But 6th tops them all, offering a fairway packed with glorious oak trees, as well as several hazardous bunkers. Only those with immaculate ball placement will succeed in making par on this 548-yard challenge.

When it comes to green fees, Fallen Oak isn’t a cheap day out. You should expect to pay $200 to $300 for a round on a weekday and over $300 to play on a weekend. Add other associated costs, such as hotel rooms and dining, and a visit to Fallen Oak is a significant investment for the average player.

Away from the course, you’ll find a casino with over 1,200 slots, several table games, and a state-of-the-art poker room. The Beau Rivage pool is the perfect place to relax after a long day in the Mississippi sun, and the four bars offer late-night entertainment to suit most tastes. Then, retire to one of the 1,740 rooms to re-energize before hitting the course again the following day.

2. OLD WHITE AT THE GREENBRIER, WV

Old White at The Greenbrier, WV
Location:White Sulphur Springs, WVPar:72
Casino:The GreenbrierCourse Rating:76.0
Opened:1914Phone:(855) 453-4858
Designer:Charles Blair MacdonaldEmail:Not listed
Yardage:7,292 yardsWebsite:HERE

To find our number two casino golf resort, we head up to West Virginia. The Old White course at The Greenbrier - a luxury casino resort in White Sulphur Springs - has seen plenty of big names tread its fairways and greens, which are packed tightly into a blanket of trees. Previously, it was home to the Greenbrier Classic, a PGA Tour event that ran from 2010 to 2019 and was won by names like Xander Schauffele, Kevin Na, and Stuart Appleby.

Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and opened way back in 1914, the Old White is named after the hotel that used to sit in its place. It was the first 18-hole course at The Greenbrier, which now boasts three, along with a short course. All are top-class, but the Old White sits at the pinnacle, unsurpassable thanks to its combination of beauty, prestige, and design.

Every hole at the Old White is packed with history, and each offers its own individual experience. However, they save the best for last. The 18th, which is a par 3 - unusual for a final hole - requires you to hit over a creek and avoid the four bunkers surrounding the green. Miss your target, and your short game will be put to a stern test.

Despite its hallowed name, the course is open to members of the public. However, it’s not cheap, with fees for non-guests rising to $665 per round in peak season. Resort guests should expect to pay around $490 for the same tee time. Prices do drop away from the high season, coming down to $175 for guests and $205 for non-guests. Rates for other courses at The Greenbrier are considerably cheaper but still restrictively high for the average player.

There’s no doubt that golf is the highlight of this resort, but there’s also plenty more to keep visitors occupied. The opulent casino isn’t huge but offers 160 slots and 31 tables, plus there’s a FanDuel sportsbook. The casino is also a partner of BetMGM online casino in West Virginia, which is one of only six states with legal real-money online casinos. Plentiful dining options are also available, including the highly-rated Main Dining Room and the Pan-Asian restaurant In-Fusion.

3. THE PRESERVE, MS

The Preserve, MS
Location:Biloxi, MSPar:71
Casino:Palace Casino ResortCourse Rating:72.6
Opened:2006Phone:(228) 386-2500
Designer:Jerry PateEmail:chrisch@preservegc.com 
Yardage:6,774 yardsWebsite:HERE

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of the best casino golf courses in Southeastern USA is The Preserve Golf Club, again found in the gambling hotspot of Biloxi, MS. This course is affiliated with the Palace Casino Resort but is open to all looking to experience its natural beauty, with holes dotted with sprawling oaks and water features. 

Designed by award-winning course architect Jerry Pate, this par-71 course was opened in 2006. It’s located entirely within a nature conservancy, but doesn’t just offer natural beauty - it’s also a course with several challenging holes, including forced carries over wetlands.

Of all the holes, the par 4 15th deserves special recognition. Playing at 435 yards, it challenges you to clear a considerable area of marshland from the tee. Manage this, and the challenge isn’t over, as you’ll then need to navigate the bunker blocking part of the green. The par 3 16th is also a highlight of many rounds.

Green fees for The Preserve aren’t extortionate but are still high. During peak season, expect to pay $250 for a round, while off-peak rounds are $175. An all-inclusive stay-and-play package is also available, which includes one round and a night in the Palace Casino Resort hotel.

If you do stay, you’ll find plenty of entertainment within the Palace Casino Resort. The casino offers hundreds of slot machines, available to play from just a penny a spin, along with several table games and a high-limit room. Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood serves scrumptious food and award-winning wine, while many hotel rooms have views over Biloxi Bay.

BEST CASINO GOLF COURSES IN NORTHEASTERN USA

We continue our roll through the best casino golf courses in the United States by turning our gaze to the Northeast, another hotbed of stunning courses revered by players worldwide.

1. ATUNYOTE AT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO, NY

Atunyote at Turning Stone Casino Resort, NY
Location:Verona, NYPar:72
Casino:Turning Stone Resort CasinoCourse Rating:75.7
Opened:2004Phone:(877) 748-4653
Designer:Tom FazioEmail:golf@turningstone.com 
Yardage:7,315 yardsWebsite:HERE

The title for best casino golf course in the NW USA goes to Atunyote at Turning Stone Resort Casino. This resort in Verona, New York, offers you the choice of five courses, all stunningly designed and lovingly tended to. But Atunyote is the jewel in the crown, home to several large tournaments over the years, including the PGA Professional National Championship.

Designed by Tom Fazio, Atunyote - the Oneida word for “eagle” - is characterized by large open stretches featuring subtle changes of elevation throughout. Lakes dot the landscape, making for beautiful sights but challenging opponents, while over 1,000 trees, specially planted during the course’s creation, are spread throughout the 18 holes.

The 18th is the standout hole for many at Atunyote, but we’ve chosen the 538-yard 12th, called the “Spotted Sandpiper”. Skirted to the right by a large lake and punctuated by intimidating bunkers, par is eminently possible for those hitting the fairway, but the bunkers midway down the hole, separated by only a thin stretch of fairway, are a significant challenge.

Green fees for Atunyote are significantly more expensive than those for the resort’s other courses. Members of the public will pay $275 for a round on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and $250 the rest of the week. Resort guests receive a $25 discount. Playing other courses, such as the well-regarded Shenandoah, costs around half the price.

After a round, you can retire to the Turning Stone Resort Casino, which is gargantuan. The casino has 2,000 slots and over 40 tables, plus the largest poker room in New York and a bingo hall regarded as one of the best in the world. Then there are multiple bars and restaurants, spas, nightclubs, lounges, and six places to stay.

2. MYSTIC ROCK AT NEMACOLIN, PA

Mystic Rock at Nemocolin, PA
Location:Farmington, PAPar:72
Casino:NemacolinCourse Rating:77.0
Opened:1995Phone:(866) 344-6957
Designer:Pete DyeEmail:Not listed
Yardage:7,526 yardsWebsite:HERE

Now, we move west to Pennsylvania, where you’ll find the Mystic Rock course at Nemacolin. With a course rating of 77, Mystic Rock is one of the more challenging courses on this list, but it’s still a must-play for serious golf fans in the US Northeast. If you’ve got the time, you can also experience the Shepherd’s Rock course, another high-quality course at Nemacolin.

Mystic Rock was designed by Pete Dye and has previously hosted a PGA Tour event - a sure sign of its quality. Nestled within the Pennsylvania Allegheny Mountains, the course is built around the area’s rolling landscape. Often deceptive in design, which can lead less experienced players to make regular mistakes, the challenge of the course is only heightened by the gusting winds found within the mountain environment.

The 5th is the most memorable hole. The 598-yard par 5 plays downhill and initially challenges you to determine whether to choose the high or low side of the fairway. The high side is more conservative, keeping you away from the water, but limits your ability to hit the green in two. When you do reach the green, you’ll have a stunning pond and waterfall to the left, while a statue of John Daly overlooks you while putting.

During peak season, players should expect to pay $275 to $325 per round, depending on tee time. During the off-season, the price drops to $205 to $255. Shepherd’s Rock has the same pricing structure. Stay-and-play packages are offered and can make 18 holes on the Mystic Rock course more affordable to the average player.

If you do choose to stay at Nemacolin for a night or two, there’s plenty to enjoy other than golf. You can choose from three accommodation options, as well as private lodges, while the casino - featuring plenty of slots and 26 table games - is a highlight. There’s also shooting, fishing, a spa, and more, plus fans of good food will salivate at the numerous restaurants, with Lautrec being the highlight.

3. NORTH AT LAKE OF ISLES, CT

North at Lake of Isles, CT
Location:North Stonington, CTPar:72
Casino:Foxwoods Casino ResortCourse Rating:76.7
Opened:2005Phone:(860) 312-3636
Designer:Rees JonesEmail:loiconcierge@kempersports.com 
Yardage:7,252 yardsWebsite:HERE

Our number three casino golf course in the Northeast is the North Course at Lake of Isles in Connecticut. It’s connected to the famous Foxwoods Resort Casino, regularly ranked as one of the top casinos outside Las Vegas, with both owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Lake of Isles has two courses - North and South - with the North Course being the pick of the two.

Designed by Rees Jones, the par 72 North Course is the shorter of the venue’s two courses, but also the most challenging. Built around a large central lake, the course intermingles perfectly with picturesque wetlands. Plus, it’s vast, ensuring each hole is secluded from the rest. But you won’t walk far, as the use of a cart is mandatory.

Every hole is a visual treat at the North Course of Lake of Isles, but the standout is the 6th, a dogleg-left playing downhill. A 235-yard tee shot is needed to hit the fairway, plus you must avoid a patchwork of bunkers to the left. But you won’t mind hitting a few tee shots, as the view is spectacular. A special shoutout also goes to the 1st, which is the opposite of the traditional easy starter, challenging players from the get-go with a 180-yard forced carry.

While the South Course is restricted to members only, the North Course is open to the paying public. To play a round, you’ll need to stump up around $195, which is reasonable when compared to some other casino golf courses on this list. Stay-and-play packages are available, allowing you to bundle green fees and hotel costs into one payment.

If you do stay at Foxwoods, you’ll have access to one of the country’s top casinos. There are over 3,500 slots to play, more than 250 tables, and a DraftKings sportsbook, plus a giant poker room with 54 tables of varying types and limits. You could even aim for WSOP qualification while there. Multiple eateries cater to palates of all types, while three hotels provide a range of accommodation options.

BEST CASINO GOLF COURSES IN THE MIDWEST

Last, but certainly not least, we make our way to the American Midwest, as we cast our eyes over the golf casino courses found from Ohio in the east to Nebraska in the west.

As with all other areas of the US, we’ve picked our top three places to play. You can read about them below.

1. PETE DYE COURSE AT FRENCH LICK RESORT, IN

Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, IN
Location:French Lick, INPar:72
Casino:French Lick ResortCourse Rating:80.0
Opened:2009Phone:(888) 936-9360
Designer:Pete DyeEmail:Not listed
Yardage:8,102 yardsWebsite:HERE

Our number one pick for the best casino golf course in the Midwest is the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort. Located around 75 miles from Louisville, there are three stunning on-site courses at French Lick, but the Pete Dye Course is the crown jewel. Host of the Senior PGA Championship in 2015, it’s been described by Colin Montgomerie as “one of the iconic courses” of the United States and, with a rating of 80.0, is classed as an exceptionally challenging day out for even the most skilled player.

The Pete Dye Course is a giant one, spanning 8,102 yards from the professional tees. Characterized by narrow, challenging fairways, this course demands pinpoint accuracy, while regular elevation changes offer not only beautiful panoramas, but also an extra dimension to gameplay and strategy. And don’t get trapped in one of the volcano bunkers, which demand challenging escapes.

The long 610-yard 3rd is perhaps the most impressive of the course’s holes. There’s no wide fairway - something you might expect from such a long hole - but instead a fairway narrowed by bunkers, making the tee shot a hazardous one. The approach to the green is also tough, with the conservative move being to layup, rather than risk the thicket of trees to the left. Special mention also goes to the 12th - its infinity-edge green is a thing to behold.

A day out on the Pete Dye Course isn’t a cheap experience, with green fees costing $400 to $450 per person. Other courses within the golf casino resort are far more affordable, with the impressive Donald Ross Course being just $100 to $150, depending on season - a bargain in comparison. Various packages are also available, including a two-day getaway with rounds on both the Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses.

Once you’ve packed away the clubs, there’s plenty to do elsewhere in the resort, including two spas and several restaurants, with 1875: The Steakhouse being the pick of the bunch. The casino is open 24/7 and has over 600 slots and more than 25 table games, plus the sportsbook is the place to be for sports fans, showing everything from NFL and NBA to Premier League fixtures. Two hotels offer a place to stay, plus RV slips are also available.

2. THE WILDERNESS AT FORTUNE BAY, MN

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, MN
Location:Tower, MNPar:72
Casino:Fortune BayCourse Rating:75.3
Opened:2004Phone:(800) 992-4680
Designer:Jeffrey D. BrauerEmail:Not listed
Yardage:7,207 yardsWebsite:HERE

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, MN, is the next name on our list. Regularly ranked as the number one golf course in Minnesota, it offers a scenic day’s play deep within the beauty of northern MN, with views over the spectacular Lake Vermillion. It’s also certified for its environmental friendliness by Audubon International, ensuring minimal impact on the pristine local area.

Designed by Jeffrey D. Brauer, previous players are effusive with praise for this secluded Minnesota gem. Frequent elevation changes are a strong characteristic of the course, as are the heavily undulating greens, making them tough to master - especially when paired with challenging pin placement. Expect plenty of three-putts if you’re not on your A-game. But away from the greens, The Wilderness is forgiving in places, ensuring it’s not too intimidating to the regular player.

Every hole at The Wilderness is a visual feast. However, the 3rd is the star. This hole might be beautiful, but that beauty masks the challenge facing anyone playing it. Carrying the pond with your tee shot is the first challenge, followed by missing the bunker immediately after. And even if you drop it onto the green in one, you could find your ball heading away from the hole quickly, thanks to the large slope bisecting the green. To say it’s challenging is an understatement, but boy does it look great.

One of the best features of The Wilderness is price. Unlike the often inflated prices of other casino golf resorts, you can grab a round at The Wilderness for under $100, while peak season prices are only just into three figures. Play and stay packages are also incredibly affordable - you’ll pay around $220 for a night in the hotel and a round on a peak season weekend, and much less on a weekday.

Away from the course, Fortune Bay offers plenty, including a casino with 800 slot machines and one of the only poker rooms in northern Minnesota. Dining options aren’t pretentious, instead offering honest food at honest prices. Making use of its spectacular location, plenty of outdoor activities are available, including fishing, snowmobiling, and trips out onto Lake Vermillion. You can then end your day in the 173-room hotel or in your own RV, parked within the natural year-round beauty of Minnesota.

3. SPIRIT HOLLOW, IA

Spirit Hollow, IA
Location:Burlington, IAPar:72
Casino:FunCity ResortCourse Rating:74.8
Opened:2000Phone:(319) 752-0004
Designer:Rick JacobsonEmail:info@spirithollow.com 
Yardage:7,550 yardsWebsite:HERE

For the final name on this list, we head to the corn fields of Iowa, where you’ll find Spirit Hollow, a stunning golf course attached to FunCity Resort. Known as one of the finest golf courses in the Midwest, its immaculate greens and challenging yet enjoyable layout have made it a regular stop-off for players throughout the region and beyond.

Designed by Rick Jacobson, Spirit Hollow stretches for 7,550 yards and has a rating of 74.8. The fairways are lined with over 15,000 trees, and the course has been designed to test every facet of a golfer’s skill. Eleven of the 18 holes boast water features, while the greens are firm and fast. Changes of elevation are commonplace throughout the course, and decisions must be made regularly, with several shot options often available.

The par 3 15th is one of the course’s highlights. Aesthetically, it’s beautiful, with a lake, bunkers, and a backdrop of verdant trees. Hitting over the lake is the first challenge, but you’ll also need to beware of the three bunkers pushed up against the green. Hit short, and you’re in the water, but hit long, and you’re in the sand. The slope of the green often sends the ball racing back towards the lake, away from any pin placed in the back third.

Price-wise, a round at Spirit Hollow costs a maximum of $110 per person, which is highly competitive. Locals receive significantly discounted rates. Stay-and-play deals are also sometimes available.

Once you’ve finished up on the 18th, you can make your way to Catfish Bend Casino, where you’ll find a raft of slots and table games, along with a Fanatics sportsbook and poker room. Elsewhere in the FunCity Resort, you’ll find bowling, pools, and several dining options, including the Boogaloo Sports Bar & Grill, which serves an all-American menu and shows sports on its 40 large-screen TVs. Three hotels are also available, along with lodging at the golf course.

GOLF CASINO RESORTS: WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

As you’ve seen, there’s no shortage of top-notch casino golf courses spread across the United States. From the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas to the secluded northern beauty of Minnesota, they’re found in all four corners of the country, adding an extra dimension to the overall casino experience.

Which you choose really depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. Do you have the spare pocket change to splash out $1,200 on a round at Shadow Creek? Or would you prefer something a little more surrounded by nature, such as a round at the beautiful Mystic Rock, tucked in the Pennsylvania Allegheny Mountains, or the picturesque North Course at Lake of Isles, complete with gorgeous wetland vistas?

Whatever you choose, a round at any of the courses above will surely be a highlight for any golfer. But you’d better get practising today - rounds don’t come cheap, so you need to be prepared from the moment you set foot on the first tee!

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