Elkhorn at Elkhorn Golf Club

Elkhorn Golf Club sits in the Sun Valley area of central Idaho, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and opened in 1974. The course occupies rolling terrain at approximately 6,000 feet elevation in the Wood River Valley, with the surrounding Sawtooth and Boulder mountain ranges providing a dramatic alpine backdrop. Jones routed the layout to take advantage of the natural contours and incorporated native grasses, sagebrush, and stands of aspen and pine that define the high-desert mountain character of the region.

The design reflects Jones's signature style from this period, featuring strategic bunkering, water hazards that come into play on several holes, and generous greens with subtle undulations. The course measures over 7,000 yards from the championship tees but offers multiple tee options to accommodate different skill levels. Elevation changes throughout the round add both visual interest and strategic complexity, with some holes playing significantly uphill or downhill depending on the mountain topography.

Elkhorn serves as the centerpiece of a resort community that developed alongside Sun Valley's growth as a year-round destination. The course benefits from the area's high-altitude climate, with a playing season typically running from late spring through early fall. The combination of mountain scenery, Jones's thoughtful routing, and the course's integration into the broader Sun Valley recreational landscape has made it a notable golf destination in Idaho for five decades.