Golf Digest architectural writer Ron Whitten started the talk three years ago with a short story about Shadow Creek in Golf World . The story included just one color photo of one hole that slipped up a manmade hill with a lake up the left side. This one image is all that most golfers will ever see. That is because to play at Shadow Creek is next to impossible. A call to the publicity department at the Mirage only results in the simple brush-off that Mr. Wynn is not interested in stories about his course.
Rumors abound about what it takes to play there.
Stories include one of a gambler from Hong Kong who lost thousands at the Mirage over a few days' play. After his losses, the gambler asked if he could play golf. He was rejected because he was staying at Caesar's. That gambler came back three months later and made sure he stayed at the Mirage. Only a handful play the course within a week.