
Orchid Island Course
Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club





About this course
Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club occupies a barrier island setting along Florida's Atlantic coast in Vero Beach, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. The course opened in the 1990s as part of a residential community that balances golf with beachfront amenities. Palmer and Seay, frequent collaborators throughout their careers, worked within the constraints of island topography to create a layout that incorporates natural water features, coastal vegetation, and the relatively flat terrain characteristic of Florida's barrier islands. The routing takes advantage of the island's lagoon and oceanside positioning, with holes playing through corridors of native palms, live oaks, and tropical landscaping. Water comes into play on multiple holes, both as strategic hazards and aesthetic elements that reflect the coastal environment. The design emphasizes accuracy and course management rather than length, typical of Palmer's approach to resort and residential courses where playability across skill levels remains important. Orchid Island functions primarily as a private club serving its residential membership, with facilities that extend beyond golf to include beach access, tennis, and dining venues. The club culture reflects the seasonal patterns common to Florida's east coast communities, with members drawn to the combination of island privacy and oceanfront lifestyle. The course maintains a profile as a well-regarded local amenity rather than a tournament venue, serving its community within the broader context of Vero Beach's established golf market.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in FL
Quick facts
- Location
- Vero Beach, FL, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1990
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,126 yards
- Difficulty
- 75.6/153
- Course Vaults score
- 8.4
Getting there
Most visitors arrive through Orlando International Airport (MCO), roughly ninety minutes northwest, though Palm Beach International (PBI) offers a closer alternative just an hour south for those approaching from the opposite direction. Private aviation is accommodated at Vero Beach Regional, a discreet facility mere minutes from the island's guarded entrance. The final stretch crosses the Indian River Lagoon via causeway, leaving the mainland's commercial sprawl behind as the road narrows into a hushed, oceanfront enclave where Orchid Island's twin pleasures - championship golf and Atlantic beachfront - await behind understated gates.

FAQ
Common questions about Orchid Island
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Orchid Island has a Course Vaults score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 11 logged golfers.
Orchid Island was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.
Orchid Island is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Orchid Island is 72.
Orchid Island plays 7,126 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Orchid Island is 153.



