A Connection Between a Course and its Players Takes it Beyond the Sum of its Parts
“It's a camaraderie. The comradery of our friendships, the people. Yeah. Beautiful weather. Beautiful course.”
While Arnold Palmer envisioned creating a golf experience at Orchid Island that is challenging yet enjoyable for every player, what he truly built was the foundation for unimaginable camaraderie amongst neighbors that bridges generations and fosters friendship.
With its unique barrier island design, complimented by prevailing sea breezes and surrounding wildlife, Orchid Island’s celebrated golf course evokes a sense of awe and appreciation that injects every game with life. But what really inspires the best Member experiences are shared moments and close-nit social connections. From meeting those new to the Club or spending time with lifelong friends, to teeing off at daybreak or the laughing through the enjoyment of the Nine and Dine activities, the Orchid Island golf community forges genuine connections.
“It’s a beautiful course. It’s always in great shape. It’s challenging. It’s a different course every day.”
Stay On Course for Spirited Fun
Golfers at all levels of experience get by with a little help from their fellow Members because congenial encouragement is rooted in the Orchid Island spirit.
At Orchid Island, new and seasoned golfers cross paths regularly and tend to invigorate one another. Says Leslie Prothro of her husband, David, “He's a super golfer, but he's bringing me along. There's nothing that's not fun about this....Every day we play with somebody different—it’s an adventure.” With its fast greens and well-placed water hazards to negotiate, the course seems different every day, adds Cathy Torrey. “It’s everything you love about a good, challenging course.” And if you’re a newbie, not to worry: You start with an introduction, orientation and opportunity to play with the Director of Golf, David Champagne. From there on, every match, game or practice session presents the opportunity to find a new friend or mentor.
“Our greenskeeper has a passion for this club. It’s absolutely immaculate.”
“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 beautiful and challenging for everybody. Good and bad golfers alike.”
Take on Beyond-Par Challenges
“Here’s a tip everyone can use: Instantly level up your game by having fun.”—David Champagne, Director of Golf
There’s something for everyone to love about the Orchid Island’s par-72 course with nine tee combinations, ranging from 4,231 to 7,226 yards. To challenge pros, it includes Palmer signatures like rock walls and sharp doglegs. “On 17 of the 18 holes, you have the challenge of getting over water,” notes Camille Wirtz. Non-experts love the alternate tee options, yet the course hosted the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Regardless of level, everyone can take advantage of the training and practice facilities, which include a double-sided driving range, two putting greens, an enhanced chipping and pitching area, and two practice bunkers. Novice and accomplished players alike can choose from a range of instructional programs offered by a experienced team of golf professionals.
Enjoying Tee-rific Social Events
Golf is one of the cornerstones of Orchid Island social life, so it’s not a wonder there are dozens of ways to get in the game.
Friends, family and members of all ages get in the swing of things with programs, shotgun starts and activities that excite, enliven and engage everyone from the shy-to-try to the golf aficionado. Twilight Scrambles and Paring Parties help players find others with similar skills, while Nine & Dine finishes with a delightful meal with new-found friends and neighbors reflecting on their game. For those up to a challenge, there are men’s, women’s, or mixed team events; the Men’s & Ladies’ President’s Cup; and the Orchid Cup, or other Club Championships. And the Adult & Child 9-Hole Scrambles are just the thing to build family bonds across generations, and the Member Guest Day is always a favorite.
"The people make Nine and Dine so fun.”
Live In Harmony with Nature
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"There's lots of water, and the wildlife is amazing."
Birdwatching before, during and after teeing off. It’s just part of the experience that comes naturally on an Audubon Certified course that’s nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River on a barrier Island.
Uniquely nestled into the natural landscape of the Florida coast, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club puts its Members right in nature’s back yard. Tucked between two prolific waterways, the setting tees up spectacular encounters with White Pelicans, majestic herons and swooping Osprey. Members driving their golf carts through the community, often stop to admire the daily show which may include a Roseate Spoonbill sharing their path. "We saw a roseate spoonbill flying across the blue sky. It was beautiful," says Sally Spillman.
“I’ll have a Mr. Palmer.”
Immerse Yourself in the Arnold Palmer Ideal
Becoming part of “Arnie’s Army” means loving the environment, promoting natural beauty and embracing a course design that reflects the democracy of the game.
The son of a greenkeeper, Arnold Palmer made golf “everyman’s game” and began designing courses that intentionally embraced nature’s beauty in 1972. Orchid Island’s course was developed by Palmer himself to be fun, playable, and inclusive with just the right challenges, such as his signature bulk-headed greens and “beach bunkers.” The Club’s affiliation with the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) ensures that thoughtful renovations will maintain the course’s original integrity and vision, while adapting to course conditions over time. Orchid Island Members may say the grass is always greener on a Palmer course, but the King himself stressed a people-first approach, noting that golf is a game of inches, and the most important ones are those between your ears.
“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.”
