Shadow Creek Las Vegas
Why Play It? A luxurious private experience, world-class caddies, and a course perennially ranked in the top 10 explain why the nation's most expensive golf course is worth every penny.
Your Chances of Getting on: Very good, but you must be a guest of an MGM Mirage property and can only play Monday through Thursday. Weekend play is by invitation through casino hosts.
Peak Greens Fees: $500 (includes limousine transfers from and to your hotel, a cart, and a caddy/caddie)
Contact: 3 Shadow Creek Drive, North Las Vegas; (866) 260-0069;, www.shadowcreek.com

Lakes Course, Primm Valley Golf Club
Why Play It? Called "the poor man's Shadow Creek," this layout is by the same designer, Tom Fazio; has the same owners; and features many of the same gorgeous design touches for a lot less. Your Chances of Getting On: Very good - it's still a Las Vegas insider's destination.
Peak Greens Fees: $175 to $200. 
Contact: 1 Yates Well Road, Primm; (800) 386-7867; www.primmvalleyresorts.com  

Reflection Bay Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas Resort
Why Play It? It's a breathtaking Jack Nicklaus design that combines desert, mountains, and the state's largest privately owned man-made lake.
Your Chances of Getting On: Very good if reservations are made in advance, up to 60 days out.
Peak Greens Fees: $275 to $295. 
Contact: 1600 Lake Las Vegas Parkway, Henderson; (877) 698-4653; www.lakelasvegas.com  

Shadow Creek Las Vegas
Why Play It? A luxurious private experience, world-class caddies, and a course perennially ranked in the top 10 are why the nation's most expensive golf course is worth every penny.
Your Chances of Getting On: Very good, but you must be a guest of an MGM Mirage property, and you can play Monday through Thursday. Weekend play is by invitation through casino hosts.
Peak Greens Fees: $500 (includes limousine transfers from and to your hotel, a cart, and a caddie).