The best casino and resort golf courses were unveiled last week, and the list was once again dominated by tribal casinos. It includes the Barona Creek Golf Club, the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club's Saguaro Course, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, and a total of 24 out of the 50 top spots.

Golfweek has unveiled its much-anticipated rankings for the best casino golf courses of 2024, and Native American-owned courses dominate the list once again. Of the Top 50, tribal-owned tracks claim nearly half, showcasing their growing prominence in the world of high-caliber resort golf.

Shadow Creek tops the list again

For 2024, Shadow Creek Golf Course of MGM Resorts, located in Las Vegas, once again claims the number one spot, maintaining its status as the pinnacle of casino golf. Shadow Creek's exclusivity comes with a steep price: $1,250 per round. MGM also takes second place with Fallen Oak Golf Course at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Notably, Fallen Oak combines luxury with accessibility, priced at $275 per round.

Rounding out the top three is a tie between two courses: the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort in Indiana and The Old White Course at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. Both venues stand as premier non-tribal entries, with The Greenbrier's course costing $665 for non-guests.

Tribal golf courses dominate the Top 10

The tribal influence becomes more apparent starting from the tied-for-third spot, claimed by Yocha Dehe Golf Club, part of the Cache Creek Casino Resort in California. Owned and managed by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, this course exemplifies the championship quality associated with tribal golf properties.

Other top-ranked tribal courses include:

  • Barona Creek Golf Club, taking the number six spot, owned by the Barona Band of Mission Indians, near San Diego.
  • We-Ko-Pa Golf Club's Saguaro Course is at number 7, and it is part of the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
  • The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is at number eight, and it is a Minnesota course owned and run by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.

Atunyote Golf Course takes the 9th spot, and it is part of the Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York, owned by the Oneida Indian Nation.

Value meets championship quality

While MGM's Shadow Creek and Fallen Oak courses boast luxury appeal, tribal-owned courses stand out for their value. For instance, a weekend round at We-Ko-Pa's Saguaro Course in Arizona is priced at $170, significantly less than many top-ranked courses.

Eagle Falls Golf Course in Southern California offers an even better deal, with rates as low as $100 after 1 pm. These prices reflect a commitment by tribal operators to make world-class golfing experiences accessible without compromising on quality.

Golfweek's ranking methodology

Golfweek's rankings rely on evaluations by hundreds of raters who assess courses based on 10 detailed criteria. These include design integrity, routing, greens quality, variety of holes, landscape management, and overall aesthetics, among many others. The "walk in the park test" adds a subjective dimension, considering whether a course provides an engaging four-hour experience.

Scores are averaged across these criteria to produce a final rating, ensuring only the most deserving courses make the list.

Tribal legacy in casino resort golf

Beyond the prestige of rankings, the dominance of tribal courses demonstrates a broader trend in the golf and hospitality industries. With 24 of the remaining 40 spots in the Top 50 claimed by Native American-owned properties, their influence is undeniable. These courses, set amidst stunning natural landscapes and designed to the highest professional standards, continue to attract golfers from around the globe.

As tribal nations enhance their offerings, they provide a more affordable alternative to traditional luxury resorts like Shadow Creek, making championship-caliber golf accessible to a wider audience. For 2024, the message is clear: whether you're seeking exclusivity or value, tribal casino golf courses deliver some of the best experiences in the game.