With its favorable weather, natural beauty, and year-round golf play, Florida is renowned for some of the finest private club communities in the country. Today, with golf’s skyrocketing popularity, lengthy waitlists for golf club memberships have become the norm in the Sunshine State. The Treasure Coast is no exception, but the unique island setting of Vero Beach makes it worth the wait and encourages future Members to get on the list early. See how the ocean-to-river setting of Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is shared with just 375 residents and their natural neighbors too!
In Vero Beach, Orchid Island’s stunning natural habitat has captivated golf and beach enthusiasts alike. While Members enjoy memorable rounds on the award-winning course, it’s the unique culture and pristine natural environment that make it the perfect choice for a Florida home. Here’s a look behind the gates of Orchid Island and the reasons why so many are coming home to the Treasure Coast.
Arnold Palmer Championship Golf
Recognized on Golf Digest’s 2023 list of Best Florida Courses and ranked #11 course in Florida by Golfweek, Orchid Island’s 18-hole championship golf course serves as the beloved centerpiece of the community. Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the course embodies his vision of nurturing a lifelong love for golf and uniting players across generations. The par 72 course spans 4,231 to 7,226 yards, offering nine tee combinations that welcome and challenge golfers of all skill levels. Orchid Island has a history of hosting prestigious tournaments like the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and the Florida Open. Recently, the USGA announced that Orchid Island will be a qualifying site for the 127th U.S. Open Championship, with the event scheduled to take place on May 13th.
“Golf and the camaraderie and friendships made on the golf course are a cornerstone to life at Orchid Island,” said Rob Tench, Orchid Island’s General Manager. “We are also known for our robust racquet program, including six new pickleball courts, a fitness center, the historic Jungle Trail, a kayak launch, and most importantly our pristine beach.”
A Stunning Ocean-to-River Environment
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Indian River Lagoon to the west, Orchid Island’s location is graced with a unique mix of flora and foliage that adds to the special nature of the community. From coconut palms and stunning beaches to ancient oak hammocks and dense pine forests, the area’s environmental diversity gives it much of its natural appeal. Alongside these natural wonders, the community also provides sanctuary to hundreds of species of Florida’s migratory birds and animals, including manatees, river otters, armadillos, and herons. Orchid Island takes pride in its commitment to preserving this environment, and has been recognized as an Audubon Certified Sanctuary since 2005.
Course Enhancements Elevate Playability for All Skill Levels
In the summer of 2023, Orchid Island’s golf course underwent a comprehensive enhancement project that preserved the course’s distinctive character while enhancing its playability. This revitalization effort marked the most substantial modifications to the course since its inception in 1990. The introduction of new Bermuda grass greens provides a consistent and smoother surface for putting. Minor adjustments were made to some holes to offer strategic challenges and improve playability. 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 slight shortening of the 5th hole’s greens, re-contouring of the greens on holes 7 and 13, and dramatic reshaping of the greens and bunkering on the 18th hole. The newly revitalized course reopened for Members during their Welcome Back Weekend in November 2023.
“The renovations have been very well received by our Members who are enjoying the beauty and user-friendly nature of 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.”
West Indies Architecture Defines Landmark Beach Club
Beyond the greens, the serene Atlantic coastline invites Members to enjoy nearly a mile of white-sand beaches. Whether strolling the oceanfront, fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, or just spending time with family, the beach has a special appeal to everyone. Just off the sandy shores, the West Indies-inspired Beach Club creates an easygoing setting where numerous gathering places and ocean breezes nurture the spirit of neighbors becoming friends. Generations come together to enjoy a seaside pool, a full-service spa, and multiple dining venues. A state-of-the-art fitness center, eight Har-Tru tennis courts and pickleball courts provide ample options for every fitness enthusiast. Orchid Island is also expanding its recreational offerings to cater to the increasing popularity of pickleball. A new sports complex is currently under construction, featuring six pickleball courts, a basketball court, a children’s playground, a croquet lawn, and a bocce ball court.
The Orchid Island Wave
While Orchid Island offers a premier golf and beach lifestyle, what truly sets this community apart is the spirit of togetherness among its Members. Orchid Island’s intimate design fosters a lifestyle centered around building lasting friendships. With a relaxed pace of life and a small community feel, residents often opt for golf carts as their preferred mode of transportation. They cherish these open-air rides, enjoying the presence of swaying palm trees and the ocean breeze, and often take the opportunity to wave at friends or engage in conversations along the way. The only traffic they may face are pelicans in the ponds or other golfers passing by.
From lounging at the Beach Club to hitting the links, the charismatic and inclusive attitudes of Members are found throughout the community. “I think that’s something Members truly love and respect about the community and they’re very proud of it,” shared Director of Golf David Champagne. “Golf carts are a way of life around here, and we tend to call it the Orchid Wave when we’re riding around the property. Everyone knows everybody by name. It’s almost more of a family atmosphere here.”
Golf, River, And Oceanfront Homes Available in Vero Beach
Many of Orchid Island’s 375 residences are located directly on the beach 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.
