Elk River Club sits in the High Country of western North Carolina near Banner Elk, occupying mountainous terrain at elevations that place it among the higher-altitude courses in the eastern United States. Jack Nicklaus designed the course with assistance from Gus Grantham, routing eighteen holes through a landscape of hardwood forests, mountain streams, and dramatic elevation changes. The design takes advantage of the natural topography, with holes that climb ridgelines and descend into valleys, offering golfers both strategic variety and views across the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course reflects Nicklaus's approach to mountain golf, balancing the challenge of elevation change with playability across different skill levels. Fairways move through corridors of native vegetation, and several holes incorporate the Elk River and its tributaries as both hazards and scenic elements. The property's significant elevation shifts create forced carries and downhill approaches that require careful club selection and course management. Elk River Club operates as a private residential community, part of the development pattern common to mountain resort areas in North Carolina. The club serves members and property owners, with the golf course as the centerpiece of a larger amenity package. The setting in Banner Elk places it near other mountain courses in Avery and Watauga counties, a region that has attracted golf development due to its cooler summer climate and mountain scenery. The course remains primarily a members' venue rather than a tournament site or public destination.