Elk River Club
1000 Clubhouse Dr.
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Phone: (888) 355-0933
Nothing quite compares to the quietness of a cool evening spent gazing out across the majestic mountain landscape, set aglow by golden rays peering down upon this signature Jack Nicklaus golf course. The evening presents itself amidst the rising smoke of a crackling fire and the familiar sounds of friends and family gathered round to laugh and share stories late into the starry night.
At an elevation of 5,000 feet, the mountains surrounding Elk River complete the perfect backdrop for members of this private mountain golf community to perfect their golf or enjoy the famous trout fishing along one-mile of the Elk River.
Residents enjoy the surrounding views of the region’s prominent mountains, including Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Grandfather Mountain. It is an easy drive to Banner Elk, Blowing Rock and Boone for year-round dining, shopping and exciting outdoor adventures.
Par: 72
Length: 6,755 yards
Rating: 72.8
Slope: 131
Elk River Golf Club is home to Jack Nicklaus’ first signature golf course in North Carolina. Since it opened in 1984, Elk River has remained one of North Carolina’s top golf courses and one of the most beautiful courses in the state. Nicklaus’ design deliberately integrates the natural topography and beauty that is characteristic of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The meticulously maintained mountain course winds around the Elk River, shimmering lakes and tree-lined fairways.
In planning this centerpiece, Jack Nicklaus’ challenge was to design a course that would borrow from mountains, river valleys and meadows of Elk River to work in harmony with nature in the shaping of greens and fairways.
His mastery of this challenge is evident at every turn. Embodying all the native elements of the land, the course at Elk River is considered by many to be one of golf’s most beautiful and intriguing layouts.
It requires thoughtfulness and a great variety of shot-making skills from start to finish. Yet, its design also encourages pure enjoyment, no matter what level of golfing skill.
The front nine has an open, meadow-type feel with tall native grasses lining the holes, while the back is a more traditional tree-lined mountain design, with greens cut into hillsides, downhill tee shots and small streams wandering into play.