Deerhurst Highlands occupies rugged terrain in Ontario's Muskoka region near Huntsville, approximately two hours north of Toronto. Bob Cupp designed the original layout in 1990, with Thomas McBroom completing a significant renovation that reshaped the course into its current form. The property sits within the Deerhurst Resort, a longstanding vacation destination in cottage country, and the course reflects the dramatic topography characteristic of the Canadian Shield. The routing moves through dense forest and over substantial elevation changes, with fairways carved through rock outcroppings and mature stands of pine, maple, and birch. Several holes play along ridgelines or drop sharply from elevated tees, creating forced carries and approach shots that must account for significant vertical movement. The design incorporates natural rock formations into the playing corridors and around greens, giving the course a distinctly rugged character compared to flatter resort layouts in the region. Deerhurst Highlands serves primarily resort guests and members within the broader Deerhurst property, which includes accommodations, dining facilities, and other recreational amenities. The course operates seasonally, typically from late spring through mid-autumn, and attracts golfers seeking a more challenging complement to other Muskoka courses. The combination of Cupp's original routing concept and McBroom's refinements produces a layout that emphasizes accuracy and course management over distance, with the rocky landscape and elevation changes defining the strategic demands throughout the round.