With its distinctive barrier island design, refreshing sea breezes, and abundant wildlife, Orchid Island’s championship golf course is renowned for providing an awe-inspiring experience. As the cherished centerpiece of this private club community near Vero Beach, the par-72 course was expertly crafted by Arnold Palmer to be enjoyable for Members of all skill levels. Beginning on May 1st, the course began a revitalization; aimed at improving playability while maintaining its captivating Audubon-worthy landscapes. Let’s take a closer look at the renovations planned to be completed in time for Orchid Island’s Welcome Back Weekend this November.
Enhancing Playability for All Skill Levels
The improvements to Orchid Island’s golf course aim to improve playability for all levels of golfers. A key aspect of these updates is the introduction of new Bermuda grass greens, which will provide a more consistent and smoother surface for a delightful putting experience. Several bunkers will be redesigned to ensure optimal sand conditions that offer both strategic challenges and improved playability. The tee boxes will also be regrassed while retaining the course’s nine tee combinations that span from 4,231 to 7,226 yards. This allows the course to accommodate golfers of all skill levels while still providing the appropriate level of challenge. The rebuilding of the greens, enhancements to the overall landscaping, and renovations to other areas emphasize Orchid Island’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality golfing experience for Members, their families, and their guests.
Keeping the Course’s Distinctive Character
Recognized as an Audubon Certified Sanctuary since 2005, Orchid Island takes pride in its commitment to the environment and local wildlife. These renovations have been thoughtfully crafted to preserve the course’s core character, its harmonious connection to nature. Surrounded by two prolific waterways, the course is home to a thriving and bio-diverse ecosystem that adds a unique natural appeal to the golfing experience. Golfers have the privilege of encountering white pelicans, majestic herons, osprey, and more while hitting the links. As Members navigate the community in their golf carts, they often pause to appreciate the daily spectacles, which might include a sighting of a roseate spoonbill or a turtle crossing their path.
Rob Tench, the General Manager of Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, looks forward to how these upgrades will enhance the natural landscape. “The design and integrity of our Arnold Palmer course will not change, but the majority of the course will be exquisitely refreshed in order to continue to provide our Members with the best golf in Vero Beach,” said Tench. “Golf at all levels is one of the cornerstones of the social life at Orchid Island and we are excited to unveil the newly-refreshed course to our Members in November.”
An Active Golf Club Event Schedule
Once the course reopens in November, Members are looking forward to a diverse range of beloved tournaments and events that cultivate camaraderie and forge new friendships. Engaging activities such as Twilight Scrambles and Pairing Parties enable players to connect with others who share similar skills, while the Nine & Dine event concludes with a delightful meal, allowing participants to reflect on their game and enjoy the company of newfound friends and neighbors. For those seeking a challenge, the club offers a variety of men’s, women’s, and mixed team events, as well as prestigious competitions like the President’s Cup, the Orchid Cup, and other Club Championships. The Adult & Child 9-Hole Scrambles provide a perfect opportunity for building familial bonds across generations, and the highly anticipated Member Guest Day remains a favorite.
Resort-Style Amenities Just A Golf Cart Ride Away
While the golf course may be closed for the summer, Orchid Island remains a vibrant destination with an array of exciting amenities just a short golf cart ride away. A West Indies-inspired Beach Club creates an easygoing setting where generations can gather together to enjoy a tropical seaside pool, rejuvenating spa, world-class dining, and endless special-interest clubs. For the health-focused, a state-of-the-art fitness center houses personal trainers and physical therapists ready to guide and motivate every personal fitness quest. Eight Har-Tru tennis courts and two pickleball courts celebrate social connections, muscle movements, and friendly competition for players at all skill levels. From lounging at the Beach Club, hitting the links for a round of golf or just having a barbeque in the comfort of their backyard, the charismatic and inclusive attitudes of Members are found throughout this community.
A Premier Collection of Golf, Riverfront, and Oceanfront Homes and Condos
Each of Orchid Island’s 375 residences surrounds Members in the best of Florida’s natural beauty. With many homes located directly on the water or overlooking Orchid Island’s championship golf course, 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 offer 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.
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