Emerald Hills is just south of Spirit Lake on the east side of West Okoboji Lake in Arnolds Park.

The layout is a straightforward, parkland design along tree lined fairways over somewhat hilly terrain with homes along a few holes but shielded by trees. The holes move left and right in a series of doglegs and requires attentive course management. There's several water hazards in play and sand bunkers mostly greenside with the course's primary defense the narrow, fairway corridors off the tee and on approach to the greens. It tips out at 6,651 yards, 72.6/125, course/slope ratings with three shorter sets of tees, designed by Jay Gordon Bennett.