Grandfather Golf and Country Club exists because of a mountain – its namesake – and the vision to carve championship golf from its slopes. The course is mountain golf at its most dramatic, a product of the mid-1960s era, defined by bentgrass fairways that navigate the rugged terrain, with elevation changes that often dictate club selection and a course that favors creative shot-making over brute force. Ellis Maples designed the original course, a layout that demands respect for both the natural contours and the strategic placement of hazards. While never a stop on the professional tour, Grandfather has been a coveted site for top amateur competitions, providing a stern test for the game’s rising stars in various regional championships. Its national profile is more understated than overt; the course’s challenge and exclusivity appeal to a membership drawn to the camaraderie and the serenity of the Linville setting. And a certain dish has become a tradition in the club's dining room: the fried chicken, a simple, perfectly executed classic that has become a point of pride.