Newly-renovated River Course a win for both players & the environment
Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club recently completed a redesign and renovation of its renowned River Course, giving its’ members a brilliantly updated golf experience among pristine water vistas. The newly reopened course proudly celebrates its original designer, Joe Lee, while adding elements of sustainability and design updates to meet the demands of the modern golfer.
Golf course architect Chris Lutzke spearheaded the renovations with the ultimate goal of making the course more friendly for the average member while maintaining the challenge that it has always been known for.
“By giving each green its own identity and also shifting bunkers to a proper placement for today’s golfer, equipment, and golf ball, this course now makes the experienced golfer think instead of penalizing the novice,” said Lutzke.
While players will appreciate the modified course style, they will also enjoy the pristine wetlands and water views that characterize both Vero Beach and the original River Course conceptualized by Joe Lee in 1987.
“Grand Harbor has always been recognized for its commitment to excellence by the Audubon Society, and this renovation was a testament to that,” said Lutzke.
The most significant changes to River Course include the green complexes, the new bunker placements, a full irrigation system with new pumps, drainage improvements, added length, and a full golf course re-grassing. The green surfaces have been re-engineered to be more in tune with today’s ultra-dwarf Bermuda grasses and the speeds that come with them.
Holes 5 and 6 have been redesigned, they are parallel to each other, but feel further apart thanks to Chris Lutzke turning a large fairway bunker into a grass bunker. 
The most dramatic change on the property is Hole 4, the green has been moved to sit on the water’s edge. "This hole turned out better than we could have ever imagined,” said GM Michael Gibson.
The 9th green now has a newly created elevation connecting the course to the clubhouse, which spectators will appreciate.
About Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club
Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club is an exclusive club located in tropical Vero Beach, Florida, and welcomes members, inside or outside the gates, to experience a lifestyle like no other. Whether a passion for golf, tennis or simply enjoying a sensational social atmosphere, membership to the Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club truly elevates one’s quality of life.
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