Orchid Island, a private golf and beach club community in Vero Beach, Florida, has been selected as a qualifying site for the 124th U.S. Open. As the third of four major men’s golf championships, the U.S. Open brings together some of golf’s best players from the PGA Tour and European Tour to compete in a high-stakes, 72 stroke-play tournament. Orchid Island’s newly renovated Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course was among the 109 sites selected throughout the U.S. to host qualifying events. The U.S. Open tournament will be held at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina from June 13-16.
“We are thrilled to host the U.S. Open hopefuls on our Palmer course, said Rob Tench, Orchid Island’s General Manager. “We are confident they will be very pleased with the updated Arnold Palmer design, and the exceptional condition of the golf course.”
About the U.S. Open
The U.S. Open stands as one of the most prestigious events in golf, known for its challenging courses and rich history dating back to 1895. Organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the tournament attracts both amateurs and professionals from around the world. Yet the journey to the U.S. Open is no easy feat. Local qualifying tournaments, including the one at Orchid Island, are open to players with a Handicap Index® lower than 0.4 or who are professionally ranked. Those who advance from a local qualifier will move on to one of the U.S. Open’s final qualifiers, scheduled for May 20th or June 3rd.
A New Chapter for the Arnold Palmer Course
Those competing in the U.S. Open qualifying tournament will enjoy a fairly new course design. The Palmer Course underwent a comprehensive enhancement project in the summer of 2023 that was the largest since its inception in 1990. Overseen by Brandon Johnson, golf course architect for the Arnold Palmer Design Company, the goal was to preserve the course’s distinctive character while enhancing its playability. The introduction of new Bermuda grass greens provides a consistent and smoother surface for putting. The most significant design changes were made to the 9th hole, which now features a lowered fairway and removed bunkers, offering a spectacular view of the lake. Other alterations include shortening the 5th hole’s greens, re-contouring the greens on holes 7 and 13, and reshaping the greens and bunkering on the 18th hole. The newly revitalized course reopened for Member play in November 2023.
“The renovations have been very well received by our Members who are enjoying the course,” said Matt Boyd, golf superintendent at Orchid Island. “Architect Brandon Johnson ensured that the integrity of the course remained intact by adhering to Arnold Palmer Design Company’s stringent standards.”
One of Florida’s Few Ocean-to-River Courses
Crafted by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, Orchid Island’s golf course is known for drawing in players of all ages to enjoy its unique natural setting. The Audubon Certified course is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Indian River Lagoon to the west, creating a dynamic habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. Spanning from 4,231 to 7,226 yards, nine tee combinations provide plenty of variety in how the course plays. It’s challenging for low handicappers while equally enjoyable from the forward tees for the high handicappers. Its scenic beauty and enjoyable layout have garnered high praise, earning it a spot on Golf Digest’s 2023 list of Best Florida Courses and a #11 ranking in Florida by Golfweek. In addition to being a qualifying site for this year’s U.S. Open, the Palmer Course has also hosted the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and the Florida Open.
Resort-Style Amenities with Seaside Charm
Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club offers more than just championship greens; it provides a range of resort-style amenities for every interest. Members can enjoy nearly a mile of white-sand beaches along the serene Atlantic coastline, perfect for activities like fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing with family. The West Indies-inspired Beach Club, just off the sandy shores, offers a relaxed setting with multiple gathering places and ocean breezes that encourage neighbors to become friends. Here, generations come together to enjoy a seaside pool, a full-service spa, and various dining venues. The club also features a state-of-the-art fitness center and eight Har-Tru tennis courts, with pickleball courts for enthusiasts. A new sports complex is also under construction, featuring six pickleball courts, a basketball court, a children’s playground, a croquet lawn, and a bocce ball court.
Golf, River, and Oceanfront Homes Available in Vero Beach
Orchid Island is home to 375 residences, which are located directly on the beach, golf course, or river. Each home features West Indies architectural designs, panoramic natural vistas, and the secluded privacy of living in a gated oceanfront golf community. Luxurious oceanfront condominiums and oceanfront estates are spacious and bright with open Atlantic Ocean views. A wide array of single-family riverfront estates offers open Indian River views and many feature private docks. Golf course homes and cottages are tucked away on private cul-de-sacs and winding streets to maintain open views of the lush fairways and sparkling lakes of its distinctive Arnold Palmer course.
With demand for this highly sought-after community at an all-time high, inventory is limited at Orchid Island. To stay updated on new real estate listings, register your interest at OrchidIslandFL.com. A complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine is available online, showcasing the surrounding area and lifestyle of the community. Call 772.388.3888 for more information or to schedule a private community club tour.
