Old Edwards at Highlands Cove occupies elevated terrain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, where the town of Highlands sits at approximately 4,100 feet above sea level. Tom Jackson designed the course to work with the natural mountain topography, incorporating significant elevation changes and wooded corridors characteristic of the region. The layout navigates ridgelines and valleys, with fairways carved through hardwood and evergreen forests that provide both definition and scenic backdrop. The course is part of the Old Edwards hospitality collection in Highlands, a resort community known for its temperate summer climate and established presence in the southern Appalachian highlands. The routing takes advantage of the mountainous setting, with several holes playing across elevation changes that affect club selection and strategy. Natural rock outcroppings and native vegetation frame many holes, and views extend across the surrounding mountain landscape where the terrain allows. Jackson's design emphasizes playability across different skill levels while incorporating the challenges inherent to mountain golf—uneven lies, elevation-adjusted distances, and greens that must be approached with attention to slope and contour. The course serves members and guests of the Old Edwards Club, fitting into the broader resort amenities that have made Highlands a destination in the North Carolina mountains. The conditioning and maintenance reflect the club's hospitality standards, with attention to turf quality despite the shorter growing season at this elevation.