Golf and casino resorts bring together two popular activities in one destination. These properties feature championship golf courses alongside gaming facilities, letting you play a round in the morning and try your luck at the tables in the evening. Many of these resorts are located across the United States, from Nevada to Mississippi to Pennsylvania.
The best golf and casino resorts offer professionally designed courses rated among the top in the country, with options ranging from desert layouts in Arizona to coastal settings in California. You can find courses designed by famous names like Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, and Bill Coore at properties connected to major casino operators. Some resorts feature multiple courses, giving you different challenges during your stay.
Planning a trip to one of these resorts requires knowing which destinations match your skill level and preferences. This guide covers the top-rated casino golf properties, breaks down options by region, and provides practical tips for booking your next golf and gaming getaway. You’ll learn about signature courses, what makes each resort unique, and how to make the most of your visit.
What Are Golf and Casino Resorts?
Golf and casino resorts combine championship golf courses with full-service casino gaming facilities at a single destination property. These integrated resorts offer both recreational experiences under one roof, plus lodging, dining, and entertainment options.
Defining the Concept
A golf and casino resort is a property that operates both a golf course and a casino as core amenities. Unlike a hotel that simply sits near a golf course, these resorts integrate both activities into your stay.
The resort model brings together multiple services. You get access to golf courses ranging from public layouts to private championship designs. The casino component includes slot machines and table games. Most properties add hotel rooms, restaurants, spas, and other recreational facilities.
These resorts differ from standard golf destinations because gaming is a primary draw, not just an add-on. The casino generates significant revenue, which often allows resorts to maintain higher-quality golf courses and offer competitive pricing packages.
Unique Appeal and Audience
Golf and casino resorts attract groups with mixed interests. Your golf buddies can play 18 holes while other travel companions enjoy the casino floor. This flexibility makes these properties popular for buddy trips and couples with different preferences.
The dual-amenity model appeals to golfers who enjoy wagering both on and off the course. You can bet on your round during the day, then visit the casino at night. Many resorts also draw convention groups and business travelers who want recreation options beyond meetings.
Location plays a major role in the appeal. Las Vegas properties like Wynn Golf Club and Shadow Creek combine desert golf with world-class casinos. Regional destinations such as Barona Resort in California and Foxwoods in Connecticut serve local markets seeking weekend getaways.
Benefits of Combined Golf and Casino Experiences
You save time and logistics by booking one property instead of coordinating separate golf and entertainment venues. Everything from tee times to dinner reservations to gaming happens on-site. This convenience reduces travel between locations and simplifies trip planning.
Package deals often provide better value. Resorts bundle golf rounds with room rates and casino credits at discounted prices. You might receive complimentary course access or dining credits based on your gaming activity.
The variety keeps your trip interesting beyond golf. After your round, you can try your luck at blackjack, catch a show, or dine at upscale restaurants. These options give you flexibility if weather cancels your tee time or you need a rest day from the course.
Top-Ranked Golf and Casino Resorts in the U.S.
Shadow Creek leads the nation’s casino golf courses with a 7.98 rating, while resorts like Beau Rivage’s Fallen Oak and French Lick offer distinct regional experiences. The Greenbrier brings historic elegance to the casino golf landscape.
Shadow Creek and Las Vegas Standouts
Shadow Creek holds the top position among U.S. casino golf courses. Located in North Las Vegas, this Tom Fazio design earns a 7.98 rating from Golfweek’s panel. The course offers you an exclusive desert experience with dramatic elevation changes and lush landscaping.
Wynn Golf Club ranks 18th nationally with a 6.28 rating. This Las Vegas course, also designed by Tom Fazio, sits on the Strip itself. You can access this layout if you’re staying at the Wynn resort.
Both courses represent the premium tier of casino golf. Shadow Creek requires special arrangements to play. Wynn Golf Club operates as a private amenity for hotel guests.
Beau Rivage and Fallen Oak
Fallen Oak ranks second nationally with a 7.17 rating. The course sits in Saucier, Mississippi, connected to Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi. Tom Fazio designed this layout to wind through native forests and wetlands.
You’ll find Fallen Oak about 20 minutes from the main casino property. The resort provides transportation between the two locations. The course features bent grass greens and wide fairways cut through towering pines.
Beau Rivage offers you the full casino experience with slots, table games, and dining options. The combination of high-end gaming and championship golf makes this a destination for varied interests.
French Lick Resort Highlights
French Lick Resort operates two courses that both rank in the top 15. The Pete Dye Course ties for third place with a 6.82 rating. This layout challenges you with dramatic elevation changes and strategic hazards.
The Donald Ross Course ranks 13th with a 6.39 rating. This classic design dates back to before 1960. You’ll experience traditional course architecture with Ross’s signature design elements.
The resort sits in southern Indiana with a full casino attached. You can walk directly from the hotel to gaming floors. Both courses offer different styles, letting you choose based on your preferences.
The Greenbrier’s Historic Allure
The Greenbrier operates two ranked courses in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The Old White course ties for third nationally with a 6.82 rating. Charles Blair Macdonald, Seth Raynor, and Lester George designed this classic layout.
The Greenbrier course ranks 41st with a 5.76 rating. Seth Raynor, George O’Neil, and Jack Nicklaus contributed to this design. You’ll play on grounds that have hosted presidents and dignitaries for over a century.
The resort added casino gaming to complement its historic hotel and courses. You get access to premium accommodations, spa services, and multiple dining venues. The property blends traditional resort amenities with modern gaming options.
Award-Winning Courses and Must-Play Destinations
Several casino resorts across the United States feature championship golf courses that have earned national recognition for their design and playing conditions. These destinations combine world-class golf with resort amenities and casino entertainment.
Yocha Dehe and Cache Creek Casino Resort
Yocha Dehe Golf Club sits about an hour from Sacramento at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California. The course name translates to “Home by the Spring Water” and reflects its ownership by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
Brad Bell designed this 7,337-yard layout that opened in 2008. The course holds a 75.0 rating and plays as a par 72. You’ll find pristine conditions throughout, with some of the best-maintained surfaces in Northern California.
The 15th hole stands out as the signature challenge. Called Wihnem Ka Cha, it forces you to navigate both a lake and creek while choosing between two different fairways. Each path offers distinct advantages and risks.
Green fees stay under $100 per person, making Yocha Dehe accessible compared to many premium courses. You don’t need to stay at the resort to book a tee time, as public access is available.
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort’s Saguaro and Cholla Courses
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club operates two championship courses east of Phoenix in Scottsdale. Both layouts have earned spots on various “best of” lists and showcase the Sonoran Desert landscape.
The Saguaro Course opened in 2006 with design work by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This 6,897-yard, par 71 course holds a 72.0 rating. The design focuses on playability for recreational golfers while still presenting challenges. The par 4 tenth hole dares you to carry a bunker for direct green access or play safe to the left.
The Cholla Course provides a different experience on the same property. Both courses integrate native desert vegetation and dramatic elevation changes. Peak season rates for We-Ko-Pa residents run around $300, while Arizona ID holders pay $209. A 36-hole package covering both courses costs $565 during peak times.
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay provides a northwoods golf experience at Fortune Bay Resort Casino in Tower, Minnesota. This course sits on the shores of Lake Vermilion, offering a completely different setting from desert layouts.
You’ll play through dense forests and encounter water on multiple holes. The natural terrain creates elevation changes and requires strategic shot placement. The course appeals to golfers looking for a traditional tree-lined experience.
Fortune Bay Resort Casino combines the golf amenity with a full-service casino, hotel rooms, and dining options. The location provides access to outdoor activities beyond golf, including fishing and hiking in the surrounding wilderness.
Barona Creek Golf Club Experience
Barona Creek Golf Club sits just east of San Diego in Lakeside, California. This 7,075-yard course opened in 2001 as part of Barona Resort & Casino.
Gary Roger Baird and Todd Eckenrode designed the par 71 layout with a 73.8 rating. The course features over 100 bunkers placed strategically throughout. Several creeks wind through the property, and a famous oak tree marks the first hole.
The par three seventh hole ranks as the toughest challenge. You typically play into the wind with no bailout areas around the green. The 14th hole also deserves attention for its demanding approach shot.
Weekend rates stay at $100 per round, which represents good value for the quality. Public tee times are available without requiring a resort stay. The attached casino offers blackjack tables that consistently rank among California’s best.
Region-by-Region Guide to Leading Resorts
Major casino resorts with championship golf courses span across the United States, from the lakes of the Midwest to desert courses in the Southwest. Each region offers distinct terrain and gaming options that attract different types of travelers.
Midwest and Great Lakes Destinations
The Midwest features several notable casino resorts where golf and gaming combine in scenic settings. Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York operates three championship courses: Atunyote designed by Tom Fazio, Shenendoah by Rick Smith, and Kaluhyat by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Wisconsin’s Kohler region offers two legendary courses. Whistling Straits sits along Lake Michigan’s shoreline and has hosted multiple major championships. Blackwolf Run provides a challenging inland experience through natural Wisconsin terrain.
Minnesota’s Meadows at Mystic Lake in Prior Lake brings casino entertainment together with a Garrett Gill and Paul Miller course layout. Further north, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay in Tower offers a Jeff Brauer design in a remote lakeside location.
Michigan hosts Island Resort and Casino in Harris with its Sweetgrass course by Paul Albanese. Thornberry Creek at Oneida in Wisconsin provides another Rick Jacobson design near Green Bay.
West Coast and Southwest Gems
Desert courses dominate the Southwest casino golf scene with dramatic landscapes and year-round play. Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas ranks as the top casino course in the country with its Tom Fazio design.
Arizona features multiple properties worth visiting. We-Ko-Pa offers two courses near Fort McDowell: the Saguaro course by Coore and Crenshaw and the Cholla course by Scott Miller. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in Maricopa provides a Curley and Schmidt design, while Talking Stick in Scottsdale operates two Coore and Crenshaw courses.
California’s Yocha Dehe at Cache Creek Casino in Brooks offers a Brad Bell design, and Barona Creek near Lakeside features work by Baird and Eckenrode. Journey at Pechanga in Temecula combines Hills and Forrest design elements.
New Mexico’s Sandia Golf Club in Albuquerque delivers mountain views with a Scott Miller layout. Washington state’s Salish Cliffs Golf Club in Shelton brings Pacific Northwest forest golf to casino visitors.
Northeast and Atlantic Highlights
The Northeast combines historic golf with modern casino entertainment. The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia features the Old White course, a classic design by Macdonald, Raynor, and George.
Nemacolin in Farmington, Pennsylvania operates two Pete Dye courses: Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock. Both provide challenging layouts in the Laurel Highlands.
Seneca Hickory Stick in Lewiston, New York offers Robert Trent Jones Jr. design near Niagara Falls. Connecticut’s Lake of Isles in North Stonington features a Rees Jones North course.
French Lick Resort in Indiana stands out with two distinct experiences. The Pete Dye Course provides modern challenge, while the Donald Ross Course delivers classic early 1900s architecture.
Southern and Southeastern Retreats
Mississippi leads the South with three major casino golf destinations. Fallen Oak in Saucier ranks second nationally among casino courses with Tom Fazio design. Dancing Rabbit in Philadelphia operates two courses: the Oaks and Azaleas, both collaborations between Fazio and Jerry Pate.
Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina remains the most famous golf destination in the region, though not directly casino-operated. The Preserve in Vancleave, Mississippi adds Jerry Pate design to the state’s golf options.
Louisiana’s Country Club at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles brings Todd Eckenrode design to the Gulf region. North Carolina’s Sequoyah National in Whittier offers Robert Trent Jones Jr. work in the Smoky Mountains.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort near Charleston, South Carolina features multiple oceanside courses. Texas properties include Omni Barton Creek near Austin with four courses across the Hill Country property.
Bucket-List Casino Golf Courses and Signature Designers
Casino golf courses feature some of the most celebrated architects in the game, with layouts that include memorable holes and strategic design elements. Access varies from ultra-exclusive private play to public tee times that let any golfer experience these premium tracks.
Legendary Architect-Designed Courses
Tom Fazio dominates casino golf design with several top-ranked courses. Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas holds the number one spot with a 7.98 rating, while Fallen Oak in Mississippi ranks second at 7.10. Fazio also designed Wynn Golf Club and the Atunyote course at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Pete Dye created two standout courses at different properties. Mystic Rock at Nemacolin in Pennsylvania showcases his signature risk-reward style with dramatic elevation changes and strategic bunkering. The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort ranks fourth nationally among casino courses with a 6.82 rating.
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw brought their minimalist design philosophy to multiple casino properties. Their Saguaro course at We-Ko-Pa in Arizona ranks sixth overall with a 6.61 rating. The design duo also created both courses at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, including the Pipaash and O’odham layouts.
Famed Holes and Course Features
Casino courses offer distinctive features that set them apart from typical resort tracks. The Old White course at The Greenbrier features classic template holes from Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor, providing strategic challenges from the golden age of golf design.
Desert courses like Ak-Chin Southern Dunes in Arizona showcase dramatic sand waste areas and elevation changes that frame each hole. The Cholla and Saguaro courses at We-Ko-Pa utilize natural desert terrain with minimal disturbance to the landscape.
Edgewood Tahoe presents stunning lake views throughout the round, with several holes playing directly along the shoreline. The course hosts a PGA Tour event annually, giving you the chance to walk the same fairways as tour professionals.
Exclusive and Public Access Options
Shadow Creek requires staying at an MGM property and typically commands premium green fees exceeding $500. The course limits play to maintain pristine conditions and provide an ultra-exclusive experience.
Many tribal casino courses offer public access at reasonable rates. The Preserve in Mississippi provides daily fee play, as does Circling Raven at Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort. Country Club at the Golden Nugget in Louisiana welcomes outside play with advance reservations.
Some properties blend both access levels. Nemacolin offers stay-and-play packages for both Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, while also allowing limited outside play. We-Ko-Pa maintains higher green fees but stays open to the public year-round. Wynn Golf Club closed in 2017 but previously offered exclusive access only to resort guests and members.
Essential Tips for Planning a Resort Golf and Casino Getaway
Success in planning a golf and casino resort trip depends on selecting the right package, understanding what amenities matter most to you, and timing your visit to get the best value and experience.
Choosing Stay-and-Play Packages
Stay-and-play packages bundle your hotel room with golf rounds at a set price. These deals save you money compared to booking everything separately. Most packages include your accommodations and tee times, but you need to check what else is covered.
Look for packages that specify the number of nights and rounds included. A typical Vegas package might offer 2 nights with 2 rounds starting around $127 per person. Double occupancy packages cost less per person than single occupancy options.
Key Package Components to Verify:
- Number of golf rounds and which courses
- Cart fees and club rentals
- Food and beverage credits
- Casino play credits or match play offers
- Resort fees and taxes
Call the resort directly to customize your package. They can often add extra rounds, upgrade your room, or include spa services. You might get better deals booking through the resort than third-party sites.
Resort Amenities Beyond Golf and Gaming
The best golf and casino resorts offer activities for your entire group, including non-golfers. Pool complexes, spas, and restaurants fill your time between rounds and gaming sessions.
Properties like the MGM Grand partner with courses like Paiute Golf Resort to give you casino entertainment plus quality golf. You get access to pools, nightclubs, and dining options when you’re not on the course.
Check if the resort has a spa for post-round recovery. Many properties include fitness centers, multiple restaurants, and entertainment venues. Some resorts offer beach access or water sports if they’re on a lake or ocean.
Transportation matters too. Ask if the resort provides shuttles between the hotel and golf courses. This service is valuable when courses are 20-30 minutes away from your casino hotel.
Best Times to Visit for Optimal Experience
Weather and pricing change throughout the year at golf and casino destinations. Las Vegas offers year-round golf, but summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees. Spring and fall bring ideal conditions but higher prices and crowded courses.
Winter gives you comfortable golf weather in desert locations with fewer players on the course. You’ll find better package rates from December through February. Coastal resorts work best in summer and early fall when weather is warmest.
Weekday packages cost less than weekend rates at most resorts. You’ll also find shorter wait times at casino tables and restaurants. Book 2-3 months ahead for popular destinations during peak season.
Some resorts offer special rates during shoulder seasons. These periods between peak and off-peak times give you decent weather at lower prices. Check the resort’s website for seasonal promotions that combine room discounts with golf credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golf and casino resorts offer a unique blend of gaming excitement and championship-level golf courses, with properties featuring everything from luxury accommodations and fine dining to spa services and entertainment venues. Understanding the specific policies, amenities, and options available helps you choose the right destination for your needs.
What amenities can I expect at top golf and casino resorts?
Top golf and casino resorts provide championship golf courses designed by renowned architects alongside full-service casinos with slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. You’ll find multiple dining options ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, plus bars and lounges for entertainment.
Most properties include luxury accommodations with premium bedding and modern amenities. Spa facilities offer massages, body treatments, and relaxation areas. Many resorts provide fitness centers, swimming pools, and event spaces for weddings or conferences.
Valet parking and self-parking options are standard, with some locations offering electric vehicle charging stations. Resort attire is typically acceptable during daytime hours, while evening dress codes may require collared shirts and jackets for men in certain areas.
Are there any all-inclusive resorts that offer both golf and casino activities?
Some golf and casino resorts offer package deals that bundle accommodations, meals, and activities together, though true all-inclusive options are less common in this category. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana combines all-inclusive resort amenities with casino gaming and golf access.
Most U.S.-based golf and casino resorts operate on an à la carte model where you pay separately for rooms, dining, golf rounds, and casino play. However, many properties offer golf packages that include accommodations, tee times, and sometimes dining credits. Loyalty programs at casino resorts can provide complimentary meals, room upgrades, and other perks based on your gaming activity.
What are the best golf and casino resorts located in the Midwest?
Little River Casino Resort in Michigan offers golf access through nearby courses while providing full casino gaming and resort amenities. Northern Waters Casino in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula features an on-site golf course alongside its gaming floor and lodging options.
The Greenbrier in West Virginia, while technically on the eastern edge of the Midwest region, ranks among the most prestigious properties with multiple championship golf courses and a full-service casino. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in California provides both activities for West Coast travelers.
When evaluating Midwest options, consider the quality of golf course design, the variety of casino games offered, and seasonal weather conditions that may affect outdoor activities.
Can you recommend golf and casino resorts with family-friendly facilities?
Most casino resorts maintain age restrictions that limit children’s access to gaming areas, with minimum ages of 21 years old required to enter casino floors. The Greenbrier welcomes families with children and offers in-room babysitting services so parents can enjoy the casino while kids are supervised.
Family-friendly properties typically feature swimming pools, arcade areas, and outdoor activities separate from gaming spaces. Some resorts provide designated family accommodations away from casino noise and activity. Golf academies at these properties often welcome junior players with age-appropriate instruction.
The Greenbrier’s spa services accept guests as young as six for facials and nail services, while body treatments require guests to be at least 16 years old. Check individual resort policies regarding children in restaurants, pool areas, and other public spaces.
How do I find the closest golf and casino resorts to my current location?
Online search engines and resort booking platforms let you filter by location and amenities to identify nearby properties offering both golf and casino activities. Entering your city or zip code with search terms like “golf casino resort near me” produces results with distance information.
Many resort chains maintain properties across multiple states, so checking their official websites reveals locations you might not find through general searches. State gaming commissions often list licensed casinos on their websites, and you can cross-reference these with golf course directories.
GPS-enabled mobile apps for golf course booking or casino rewards programs can show nearby participating properties. Travel review sites allow you to search by region and read guest experiences about specific amenities.
What are some highly-rated golf and casino resorts in Michigan?
Michigan hosts several properties combining golf and casino gaming, particularly in areas with tribal gaming licenses. Little River Casino Resort in Manistee offers full casino gaming with nearby golf course access and waterfront views.
Northern Waters Casino provides an integrated experience with an on-site golf course, RV sites, and casino gaming. FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek partners with nearby golf courses to offer package deals for guests.
Four Winds Casinos in southwestern Michigan provide gaming and entertainment with golf packages available at surrounding courses. When booking Michigan properties, consider seasonal factors as golf availability runs primarily from spring through fall due to weather conditions.