Tribal Casinos Stand Out in Golfweek's 2026 Rankings

Golfweek's 2026 ranking of casino golf courses once again shows how much American Indian tribes have invested in world-class golf facilities. Thirty of the 50 courses on the top 50 list belong to casinos owned by tribes. Tribal land is often located away from city centers, which makes it easier to build golf courses across large areas. Many casinos also use golf as a draw for groups from distant regions.

The Cache Creek Casino in California is a good example. Located in a small town with fewer than 50 residents, the facility's Yocha Dehe Golf Club course welcomes thousands of golfers each year and ranks third on the list.

Commercial casinos held most of the top five spots. MGM Resorts' Shadow Creek in Las Vegas and the Fallen Oak course at Beau Rivage Biloxi in Mississippi took the first two places. The difference in prices is clear. At Shadow Creek, a tour can cost more than $1,200 per person. At tribal courses, it is often possible to find a tour for less than $150, and at some weekday times the price even drops below $100.

The financial picture for tribal casinos also looks strong. The National Indian Gaming Commission reported that Indian casinos generated $46.2 billion in gross gaming revenue in fiscal year 2025. That figure is the highest in the industry's history.