Embracing the essence of the game: Where course & community unite.
Embracing the essence of the game: Where course & community unite.
New Golf Video Showcases the Orchid Island Golf Experience.
We invite you to experience our cherished Orchid Island golf lifestyle. This four minute video showcases our Audubon-Certified Arnold Palmer golf course and captures the welcoming spirit of our Members and Staff who share their unique perspectives.
“It's a combination of the camaraderie of our friendships, the people we meet, and yes the beautiful weather and exceptional golf course.”
When Arnold Palmer created his vision for Orchid Island, it was more than just creating a golf course; it was about fostering a lifelong passion for the game, connecting players across generations, and nurturing integrity in sport and generosity in life.
An intimate and prestigious golf community, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, is known for its charming West Indies-style architecture and air of timeless allure. Here, residents embrace a lifestyle where golf carts serve as the preferred mode of transportation. The convenience of a golf cart ride over to the Beach Club, Racquet Club or for a visit to a friend’s house is yet another way to enjoy the picturesque surroundings and may include engaging with friends along the way. It's here, beneath the gentle sway of palm trees and the caress of the ocean breeze, that one can truly appreciate the unique blend of elegance, relaxation and sophistication that defines life in this boutique community.
“It's great when your home course is truly your favorite. As an avid golfer, I look forward to playing from a variety of tee positions—testing my strategy and skill daily. At the same time, everyone in my foursome has an enjoyable experience due to Palmer's design where he prioritized playability from the other tee boxes."
Elevating experiences. Creating connections. A course like no other.
Orchid Island's celebrated golf course is a testament to its pristine location, unmatched heritage and friendly competitiveness.
With its unique barrier island layout, this exquisite course is an embodiment of the game's joys and its challenges. Yet, what truly makes Orchid Island exceptional is the bonds forged on its greens. New acquaintances are made, lifelong friendships are built, and the spirit of togetherness is woven into every swing, putt or life-changing hole-in-one. From the serenity of sunrise tee-offs to shared laughter over refreshing drinks at the clubhouse, Orchid Island is centered on nurturing genuine, lasting relationships.
“Our greenskeeper has a passion for this club. The course is absolutely amazing.”
“It’s not just the golf. It’s hard to isolate it to the golf. Everything about this place is great, but the golf course is an unforgettable experience for everyone. Good and bad golfers alike.”
Private, oceanfront golf. Truly, the center of it all.
“Here’s a tip everyone can use: Instantly level up your game by having fun.” — David Champagne, Director of Golf
Stretching from a friendly 4,231 yards to a tour-level 7,226, Orchid Island's par-72 course caters to all skill levels. The course's versatility, highlighted by nine tee combinations, has hosted prestigious tournaments like the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. With Palmer's signature touches like rock walls and doglegs, it presents challenges that intrigue pros and amateurs alike. Beyond the course, training and practice facilities, including a double-sided driving range and practice bunkers, support every player's growth. Orchid Island's experienced team of PGA professionals offers diverse instructional programs, ensuring continuous improvement for all.
“Our signature 170-yard 8th hole is a Member favorite…in part because you can hear the sound of the ocean nearby. Your tee shot over water is like you’re playing into a nature sanctuary, and you can feel the ocean breeze. The sloping green is more forgiving than one might think, yet the pin placement is key.”
“The 18th hole is pretty special. It's very similar to the 18th at Bay Hill which was Palmer's home course. The par 5 winds around a large lake on the right, and for most of the Winter our rare white pelicans become floating spectators. It's a very memorable finish onto a capstone-fronted peninsular green."
A thriving network of support. On and off the course.
Within the Orchid Island spirit, golfers of all levels find encouragement and inspiration from fellow members.
Regardless of the level of your game, Orchid Island both embraces and tests every player. “18 is truly beautiful. You've got plenty of bird life throughout the entire hole, but in the Winter, you'll have the white pelicans sitting on the lake bordering the green. It's truly unique and something you don't see at many golf courses for sure", notes Orchid Island Member, Greg Clark. Newcomers enjoy an introduction and orientation to the game with Director of Golf, David Champagne, to kick-start their journey towards new skills and friendships. Orchid Island Member Leslie Prothro shares, "Every day we play with somebody different—it’s an adventure."
"It's the people that make Nine and Dine so fun. We always enjoy playing the course, but we look forward to the get together afterwards even more.”
Weaving a natural tapestry of social engagement.
The heart of Orchid Island's community-first fabric is–of course–the game. But so too are an abundance of approachable human connections. From our men and ladies day’s Scrambles to evening Nine & Dine, the calendar is adorned with opportunities for social interaction. Mixed team events, Member Guest Days and our annual Club championships all uphold the spirit of friendly competition and foster relationships that go beyond acquaintance. Amid this vibrant landscape of activities, lasting bonds are formed, making every gathering memorable.
Harmony with nature. The right way.
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Harmony with nature. The right way.
"There's lots of water, and the wildlife is amazing."
Orchid Island is an Audubon Certified sanctuary where each hole merges seamlessly into the surrounding natural habitat. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, the course invites members to birdwatch amid the tranquil beauty.
The daily encounters with magnificent birds like White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons and the exotic pink Roseate Spoonbill enrich the golfing experience. Orchid Island's harmonious coexistence with nature is a testament to the commitment of preserving and enhancing the environment.
“We raise a glass to Mr. Palmer in appreciation for what he created at Orchid Island. Well done and Thank You.”
An invitation to experience Arnold Palmer's legacy.
Orchid Island embodies a course that champions the beauty of nature while embracing players of all backgrounds.
Palmer's legacy is ingrained in every aspect of Orchid Island, from its playable yet challenging design to the spirit of inclusivity. The club's affiliation with the American Society of Golf Course Architects ensures that the course's integrity is maintained through thoughtful enhancements. Orchid Island stands as a testament to his belief that golf is a game that transcends the physical, enriching the mind and fostering a sense of unity.
In the spirit of Arnold Palmer's words, we invite you to immerse yourself in the Orchid Island experience. Join us, where golf and community intertwine to create moments of joy, genuine connections, and personal growth.
You are invited to explore Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, where passion for the sport and love for a truly remarkable environment converge.
“Hope you have many enjoyable rounds at Orchid Island.”
– Arnold Palmer
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”