7 things to know about Shadow Creek, site of the Tiger vs. Phil $9 million match

The Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson $9 million match will be played the day after Thanksgiving at Shadow Creek in North Las Vegas and will broadcast on Direct TV and stream live right here on Bleacher Report Live.

We can’t think of better place to play for a cool $9 million than the famously luxe Vegas track that rises out of the desert like an emerald oasis.

There’s a certain air of mystery around the course, too. Shadow Creek is one of those bucket-list places spoken about in the same reverent tones as Pine Valley or Cypress Point thanks to its relative exclusivity and sky-high greens fees. Unlike those two courses, you can get on Shadow Creek without knowing someone.

Here are 7 things to know about this site ahead of the Tiger vs. Phil money match:

1. Players arrive via limo

What you need to know: It’s true. Part of the appeal of the course is that your greens fee (more on that next) covers a limousine ride from your MGM/Mirage resort to the course, about 20 minutes north of the strip. You are free to drive past the gates (above) on your own dime but you’re not getting in without a tee time.

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2. Greens fees are $500

What you need to know: That’s way more than any of us are used to paying for 18 holes. It’s Las Vegas though, so money is relative. Three or so hours on the course (you will finish in less than four hours) for $500 might be easier on your wallet than the same amount of time at the tables. The drink service is almost as good, too.

3. The course record has been held by Fred Couples, Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson

What you need to know: Tiger and Freddie both shot 60 before the Tom Fazio-designed course was renovated in 2008. You can see how Freddie needled his friend Tiger up above. Dustin Johnson’s 65 is the best score shot after the renovations:

 

I think it's fair to say Dustin Johnson is ready for Augusta @AshleyKMayo @StephanieWei h/t @brianbravo #ShadowCreek pic.twitter.com/MqmRtDeR6j

— Eric Sedransk (@Sedransk) March 26, 2015

 

4. You would never know you’re in Las Vegas.

 

What you need to know: Take Augusta National and cross it with Pinehurst. That’s what Shadow Creek looks like. The staggering number of trees on the course ensure you won’t see anything but mountains and evergreens as you make your loop.

 

5. It was private until 2000

What you need to know: The course opened to the public when MGM purchased Steve Wynn’s casinos (and Shadow Creek in 2000). Before then, the stories go that the course was primarily for high-rollers who played in Wynn’s casinos. Tee times were spaced an hour apart and reserved for invited guests only.

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6. You can only play if you are staying at an MGM/Mirage resort.

What you need to know: That’s even if you are a former president of the United States or Canadian prime minister, according to the Las Vegas Sun. 

 

7. Yes, it really is that good.

What you need to know: Really. If you’re going to spend $500 on a tee time do it here. The course is kept in immaculate condition and the service is outstanding. Fazio’s design is top-notch. There are a series of stunning holes on both nines that get more dramatic the deeper you go into the course. It’s plenty playable, too. The tips (where DJ shot that 65) are a meaty 7,500+ plus yards. The regular tees are a still-challenging 6,600 yards. Many holes are wide open and feature multiple ways home as you make your way past crystalline streams and white-sand bunkers.

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• The first round Tiger and Phil ever played against each other in 1997

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