Surrounded by panoramic vistas and expansive water views, Members at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club know that there is no better way to relish in the area’s natural beauty than by playing a round of golf. The two 18-hole championship golf courses are both Audubon-certified, designed by Pete & P.B. Dye and Bobby Weed to wind along the river and throughout the community. Both the River Ridge and Golden Marsh courses will take turns being closed this summer for routine maintenance of the turf and sand bars.
In the coming weeks, Harbour Ridge Members will enjoy numerous tournaments and events. Organized by the professional staff, this popular program ensures fun for every skill level, with numerous weekly events and over 25 years of major championship traditions. From the Go Pink! Charity Golf Tournament to numerous Club Championships, Members have already enjoyed plenty of memorable moments in 2022. Discover what other events Members and their guests are looking forward to.
April 18th: 9-Holers’ Closing Day
Taking place every Monday, the Ladies’ 9-Holers Day offers a flexible option for beginners to enjoy a variety of fun formats in a 9-round game. The Tournament will take place on April 18th on the front nine of River Ridge. After the tournament, the Grille Room Terrace will be serving an a la carte lunch.
April 19th: Ladies’ Closing Day
For ladies who prefer to play a full round of golf, every Tuesday features an abundance of formats and pairing groups to play. April 19th’s tournament will celebrate the end of the winter season, with a shotgun start on the Golden Marsh course. Cocktails, a live DJ, and tasty hors d’oeuvres will be held in the Riverview following play.
April 20th: Men’s Closing Day
Men also have an opportunity to compete on the courses every Wednesday, with a variety of team competitions and formatted play options. April 20th marks the end of Men’s Days for the winter season, with a Tournament on the Golden Marsh course. A buffet lunch will be served at Dockside following play.
April 21st: Ladies’ Challenge Cup
As a part of the Treasure Coast Challenge Cup series, Harbour Ridge will be hosting two challenge matches on April 21st. This tournament provides competition among women amateur golfers in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties, with each team representing the Club they are a part of.
April 24th: Husband & Wife Championship
One of Harbour Ridge’s favorite annual tournaments, the Husband & Wife Championship brings couples head-to-head with their neighbors. This year’s championship will be held on the River Ridge course, with 8:30 AM and 1 PM shotgun start times. On-course snacks and refreshments will be available during each shotgun. After the completion of the afternoon shotgun, an awards dinner will be held for all participants in the Riverview Dining Room.
May 30th: Memorial Day Golf Tournament
Taking place on the River Ridge course this year, the Memorial Day Golf Tournament allows teams to get out and enjoy Florida’s endless summer weather. After the tournament, Dockside will also be hosting a Memorial Day Barbecue.
July 4th: Fourth of July Golf Tournament
Held on the Golden Marsh course, teams for the Fourth of July Tournament can be made up of any combination of members (men, ladies, mixed couples, etc.). This red, white, and blue scramble-style golf tournament offers a challenge for all skill levels while allowing friends to reconnect and enjoy the day.
An Enviable Waterfront Lifestyle
Harbour Ridge’s two championship golf courses are just one of the resort-style amenities that make the private residential country club lifestyle at Harbour Ridge second-to-none. Harbour Ridge offers the very best of boating and golf course living. The 45,000 square foot Clubhouse is the heart of our community, where residents can focus on health and wellness with the tennis program, full-service spa, aquatics center, and spacious fitness facility with physical therapists on hand. Harbour Ridge is also home to three private marinas, with a combined 98 slips for boats up to 80 feet in length. An active calendar of events keeps resident Members active with everything from fishing and golf tournaments to waterfront dinners.
Situated on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club is the premier private waterfront and golf community on Southeast Florida’s Treasure Coast. The wide variety of homes for sale within the Harbour Ridge community offers varying price points and styles to suit every need. All single-family homes and condominiums have stunning views of the St. Lucie River, lakes golf courses or nature preserves. Move-in-ready rental residences are also available for seasonal residents. Our complimentary digital brochure shares an even closer look at the amenities and lifestyle offered within this waterfront community. Visit HarbourRidge.com or call 772-336-3000 for more information.
Evolution of an Individual Sport
Traditionally, golf has always been played as an individual sport. The independent nature of this game has historically driven athletes to compete by themselves. Players who golf individually are scored on their performance alone, their score and rank do not rely on any other golfer. Many professional golfers have reached mass success by playing independently. Even though the customs of this sport appear to be deeply rooted in tradition, the game of golf has begun to evolve. Discovering that they enjoy the sense of comradery and fellowship when playing on a team, golfers are choosing to compete in teams rather than by themselves. There is a strong sense of unity and collaboration when playing on a team, and players are starting to find this mentality refreshing. Golfing on a team also creates a more easygoing and leisurely atmosphere to enjoy with their friends and families.
Rise of Team-Based Tournaments
Rapidly gaining popularity, team-based tournaments are often differentiated by the number of golfers on a team. Teams can be divided a multitude of ways: pairs, groups of fours, couples (man and woman), and various other group formats. Upon completing the course or tournament, the team’s scores are calculated by taking the top two individual player scores from each hole and finding the overall average. These team-based tournaments serve as an excellent introduction for amateur golfers wanting to compete. By competing on a team, amateur golfers can learn how a tournament is structured while simultaneously golfing with more experienced players. The PNC Championship is one of many renowned team-based tournaments. Played at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, 20 Major Champions team up and golf with a family member, usually a child or parent. The championship provides an opportunity for professionals to share part of their lives with their families in a fun, yet competitive setting.
Community Connections Through Teams
While members enjoy playing golf independently, Harbour Ridge has found that playing on a team is a great way for golfers to connect and engage in the community. The private golf club hosts a myriad of team-based tournaments throughout the year on two USGA recognized, championship golf courses, designed by Pete & P.B. Dye and Joe Lee, and redesigned by Bobby Weed in 2018. Team-based tournaments are held throughout the year, some of which members are encouraged to play alongside a guest. These competitions range anywhere from single-day member-guest tournaments to member-only championship tournaments. A favorite among members is the annual Husband & Wife Championship where couples go head-to-head. In addition to annual team-based tournaments, Harbour Ridge members enjoy weekly tournaments in which different days of the week are designated for ladies, men, and couple’s teams. Regarding this past season, Director of Golf, Joe Beezup, stated that “the increased level of activity on our golf courses hasn’t been seen since the early 2000s.” Because of these team-based tournaments and competitions, the Harbour Ridge golf community is thriving and has never been more connected.
Become a Member
Whether it’s on a team or individual play, Harbour Ridge is the ideal place to spend sunny summer days on the green! Perfectly designed for viewing the panoramic vistas of the St. Lucie River, the 45,000 square foot Clubhouse is the heart and social epicenter of Harbour Ridge. Residents can also entertain themselves at the Lakeside Lifestyle Center. The state-of-the-art complex features signature spa services, a full-service salon, barbershop, physical therapy, a fitness pool with lap swimming, a spacious fitness center, and a tennis facility with nine Har-Tru tennis courts. An active calendar of events informs resident members of the activities available throughout the community. These events range from fishing and golf tournaments to waterfront dinners and multiple shared interest clubs that enjoy birding, cycling, tennis, and more!
Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club is the premier private waterfront and golf community on Southeast Florida’s Treasure Coast. The “Private by Nature” waterfront location on the St. Lucie River makes for the perfect place to live. To learn more about the unique private club lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community. For more information, contact our Membership Department at (772)873-6013.
What has changed for you within the last year—have you become glued to your hand sanitizer, began a fitness journey, or explored a new hobby? From sanitation stations to touchless entries, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed not only the landscape of real estate development but the priorities of buyers and renters as well. As the world has become accustomed to spending copious amounts of time at home, new amenities have redefined private club communities and become essential for homebuyers. Discover what health amenities the Treasure Coast’s Harbour Ridge residents cannot live without in 2021.
Outdoor Space
After what feels like years spent mostly stuck inside, fresh air and open space have become a necessity for many homebuyer’s searches. The Treasure Coast is surrounded by natural lands and refuges that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, both near Harbour Ridge and off the beaten path. Trails and parks provide mountain bikers, and both day hikers and backpackers a delightful getaway. For a more tranquil experience, residents can enjoy a cell-phone-free afternoon of birdwatching amid one of the area’s breathtaking wildlife preserves. With three marinas and two miles of pristine shoreline bordering the Club, kayaking, fishing and boating are among the best ways to enjoy the stunning natural landscape of Harbour Ridge as well. Why not lay poolside with a drink in hand too?
The Clubhouse hosts some of the best spots to enjoy St. Lucie River views on the patio and alongside the boardwalk or gather under the stars at one of Harbour Ridge’s fire pits and grills—the possibilities are endless. Our residents aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy waterfront living. The Harbour Ridge dog park features agility courses, fenced and shaded areas, walking trails and water stations for our furry friends of all sizes. Whether looking for a day in the sun, or a space to enjoy a picnic outdoors, Harbour Ridge has something for everyone.
Fitness
While public gyms have been creative in following social distancing, capacity, and sanitizing guidelines, the future of fitness centers lies in smaller, intimate spaces that offer both privacy and safety. The 22,000-square foot Lakeside Spa, Fitness and Tennis complex offers a full range of cardio and strength equipment including TRX, complemented by Pilates equipment training, personal training and massages. Lakeside is the perfect place to begin your journey of health and fitness. With a series of programs including favorites like Interval Training, Yoga, Spin, Water Aerobics and Body Sculpting, there is something for everyone with health and wellness at the forefront.
For outdoor exercise, Harbour Ridge is home to two 18-hole championship golf courses and offers members full access to renowned golf training and learning programs geared for beginners to advanced players. Each hole provides the perfect mix of stunning views and “playability”. Harbour Ridge’s tennis facilities are second to none. The tennis program is very active with weekly socials, round-robin tournaments, and men’s and women’s tennis team competitions. After teeing up on the green or serving up a game of tennis, cool off in the club’s state-of-the-art lap pool. Like fitness, homebuyers today are drawn to additional health and wellness features like Harbour Ridge’s conscious menus offering mouth-watering salads, juice and energizing smoothies, and amenities that pamper. At the Spa and Salon at Lakeside, residents enjoy European-style spa services with a full complement of treatments available for the entire family.
On-property Entertaining
Those who wish to “go to the office” without leaving home often seek out this option in their social lives too. As a result, private dining rooms and event spaces are becoming more popular in 2021. At Harbour Ridge, residents can enjoy a world-class meal without leaving the Club. The Grille Room offers Sunday brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks in a casual, comfortable setting that encourages easy conversation with impeccable service. The Riverview Dining Room and Eagle’s Nest Lounge boast breathtaking views and elegant dining experiences. For those yearning for a place for family and friends to enjoy live music and cocktails while watching the beautiful sunset colors reflect on the estuary waters, Dockside Pavilion is the spot.
From casual sandwiches after a round of golf to pizza with the family or a gourmet meal on a special occasion, Harbour Ridge has options to suit every appetite. Members also have the benefit of sharing the delectable cuisine of the Club with friends and family at your next party through Harbour Ridge’s catering service. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate event, party at the Club, or gathering at your home, Harbour Ridge will cater events of all sizes, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy.
Come Home to Harbour Ridge
Homebuyer preferences today have changed, but this Treasure Coast private club community’s dedication to health and wellness has not. Harbour Ridge is the very best of waterfront, country club living. An active calendar of events informs resident members of the activities available throughout our community ranging from fishing and golf tournaments to waterfront dinners and multiple shared interest clubs who enjoy birding, cycling, tennis, and more!
Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club is the premier, private waterfront and golf community on Southeast Florida’s Treasure Coast. The “Private by Nature” waterfront location on the St. Lucie River makes for the perfect place to live. To learn more about the unique private club lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community.
Ideal Living, a country club and lifestyle magazine, had nothing but praise for South Florida golf and country club, Harbour Ridge, discussing how its receptive staff, full amenity services, and high standards caught the online magazine’s eye. “As one of the first private waterfront golf communities in the state of Florida,” Ideal Living explained, “Harbour Ridge has become a proud treasure of the Treasure Coast.” Through its dedication to service and commitment to quality, Harbour Ridge has worked to be an inseparable part of the Treasure Coast-and a great club that excels the standards of Ideal Living. Of particular interest to the publication is Harbour Ridge’s location, its natural surroundings, and its amenities. After all, they are what help a club stand out, and their level of quality and service are measures to judge a club by. Check out why Ideal Living spoke so highly of Harbour Ridge’s offerings.
The Amenities
Harbour Ridge’s extensive amenities accommodate to every interest and hobby. A full list of clubs range from photography to books to even biking. A full social calendar hosts events and holidays for members to meet each other, congregate, and connect. Outdoorsy types will enjoy everything that the Club has to offer, from nine tennis courts, complete with tennis shop and training sessions from professionals, to the two golf courses designed by Pete and P.B. Dye and Joe Lee, the Golf Pro Center where players can improve their game with the help of golf pros, the fully stocked golf shop, and the Golf Club where players can cool off after a long game with drinks and good company. The fully equipped Marina has kayaks and paddleboards ready for rental, so that the residents of Harbour Ridge can explore their wild backyard.
The Nature
South Florida has the privilege of possessing a rare and unique ecosystem, filled with exotic species of both animals and plants. Winding right past Harbour Ridge and through its marina is the St. Lucie River, one of the Treasure Coast’s largest bodies of water. Thousands of species feed from it and call it home, ranging from cattle egrets to river otters. Nature isn’t just outside of the community-Harbour Ridge works to preserve both native plant species and animal life that lives within the community. Both golf courses have been recognized as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, from to the efforts of course maintenance staff to protect the natural area surrounding it. Due to their hard work, many golfers have spotted eagles, sandhill cranes, and bobcats on the edges of the course.
The Town
Harbour Ridge has prime location close to not just rare natural areas, but also cozy towns and diverse locals. Serving as a small beach and destination town, Stuart is a short drive from the Club. A ‘flip flop and t shirt’ kind of town, the residents here enjoy a breezy, laid back lifestyle. Downtown Stuart hosts all kinds of art and culture related events, ranging from street festivals with live music to gallery showings with works done by local artists. Stuart’s history is expansive and alive as well, featuring a shipwreck to scuba dive to and explore, museums that collect memorabilia regarding Stuart’s role as a train shipping location, and the history of the Native people who lived here years ago.
Harbour Ridge is the best of the best. The two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the entire courses. Residents can entertain themselves at the new Lakeside Fitness Center or explore the surrounding area with kayaks and boat rentals from the on-site Marina. An active calendar of events informs residents of the activities that will take place in the neighborhood, and consists of everything from sporting events to dinners and social gatherings.
To learn more about the unique Florida lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community.
Harbour Ridge offers a lifestyle like no other in South Florida. Residents cherish this nature lover’s paradise located right in the heart of the Treasure Coast. With endless amenities and plenty to do around town, Harbour Ridge truly is the most unique waterfront club in Florida. Here are a few reasons why:
The Rookery
There is plenty of outdoor exploration at Harbour Ridge. This Audubon International certified community has plenty of untouched natural lands. Tons of wildlife call Harbour Ridge their home including sandhill cranes and other feathered friends. The best-kept secret of Harbour Ridge is the rookery. Every morning, hundreds of birds leave this large tree to go about their day, and then return to it at sunset. It’s really an incredible sight.
Two Championship Golf Courses
Harbour Ridge’s two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the entire courses. The Daily Telescope named Harbour Ridge the Golf Course Home Community of the Year in 2017. Golfing in this unique community is an experience that you won’t want to end.
Secluded Marina
Situated along the St. Lucie River, Harbour Ridge has plenty of watersports for everyone. From kayaking to paddle boarding and boating, everyone is sure to have fun in the sun! With the Bahamas just 55 miles offshore and plenty of fishing in the area, Harbour Ridge’s three private marinas would make the perfect home for your vessel. Don’t own a boat? No worries, Harbour Ridge’s marina provides boats for rent to residents. The knowledgeable staff can help you in your boating adventures.
Dog Park
There is no limit on the size dog you have in the community. Harbour Ridge is a dog-friendly neighborhood. The community dog park features agility courses, fenced and shaded areas, walking trails and water stations for your four-legged family member.
Lakeside Center
This brand new state-of-the-art fitness, tennis and swim club has member’s feeling pampered and fit. With a full-service salon and spa, as well as other professional services you would rarely have to leave this special community. Residents love to grab a healthy juice at the smoothie bar after a group fitness class. The machines and free weights available let you choose how you workout. It’s all there.
To learn more about the unique Florida lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community.
The news is out! Harbour Ridge was recently named The Golf Course Home® Network’s “2017 Golf Course Home Community Of The Year!”
The waterfront community earned the top honors after fulfilling a rigorous list of qualifying terms. Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Harbour Ridge offers a lifestyle like no other.
Among other qualifiers, The Golf Course Home® Network noted Harbour Ridge for its ability to adapt to what residents are looking for most in communities. Recently, our ideas on community amenities have shifted and Harbour Ridge has adjusted flawlessly to the market forces. Their brand new, state of the art lifestyle center hosts a full-service salon and barber shop, signature spa services, a large spacious cardio, free weight and stretch area, TRX classes, spin room, physical therapy, private or group Pilates, along with a juice and smoothie bar. It also features eight Har-Tru tennis courts and a stadium exhibition court along with lap swimming and water aerobics. Not to mention their marinas on the St. Lucie River. Harbour Ridge also fills their club schedule with events for friends and neighbors to meet and reconnect. Residents can pick any day of the week to enjoy trade shows, themed dinners, and other exciting activities.
Harbour Ridge was also noted for its award winning golf course. Designed by experts in their field, Harbour Ridge’s courses have won awards for not just their layouts, but also for their ecological impact. The Audubon Society has recognized Harbour Ridge for its commitment to making their golf courses environmentally sustainable.
Harbour Ridge’s location was most noted by The Golf Course Home® Network. Located on the Treasure Coast, Stuart is known for beautiful weather year round and tons of options for fun in the sun. With plenty of outdoor activities such as boating, beaches and golf, you’re sure to enjoy a healthy lifestyle here.
Harbour Ridge is Florida’s premier private waterfront golf community. Its waterfront location on the St. Lucie River makes it the perfect place to live, and it’s treasured by members and residents alike.
Harbour Ridge offers the best of the Florida lifestyle. The two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the entire courses. Residents can entertain themselves at the new Lakeside Fitness Center or explore the surrounding area with kayaks and boat rentals from the on-site Marina. An active calendar of events informs residents of the activities that will take place in the neighborhood, and consists of everything from sporting events to dinners and social gatherings.
To learn more about the unique Florida lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community.
The Treasure Coast is known for its local waterways. The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems in North America and there is nothing better than a local boat tour to see all of this area’s beauty. Residents at Harbour Ridge are lucky enough to enjoy this waterfront beauty everyday and love to get out on the water. Whether you enjoy sailing, sea life, or airboats, there is something for everyone to check out. Here are some of the top boat tours on the Treasure Coast.
Schooner Lily
Departing right out of Downtown Stuart’s Riverwalk Pier, this wooden sailboat adventure is one you don’t want to miss out on. Whether you want to sail the calm waters of the morning or have a romantic sunset cruise in the evening, this large vessel can accommodate up to 35 passengers. Experiencing the wind blowing its white sails is something you won’t forget.
Island Princess Cruises
Docked at the Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina, Island Princess Cruises is a large motor vessel for all occasions. Watch for wildlife such as manatees, dolphins and a variety of birds from the top floor of its two-story hull. The Island Princess serves food and has open bar options. Whether it’s for a special occasion with a large group, or a simple cruise with your significant other, you won’t want to leave the Island Princess.
Florida Cracker Airboat Tours
Looking for a thrill? The Florida Cracker Airboat tour is perfect for you to check out. See the wildlife on the St. Johns River in Vero Beach. YES you will see alligators right in their natural habitat! But don’t worry; these guys have life long airboat experience. It’s an experience you truly won’t forget.
Harbour Ridge Marina
Have boating experience but don’t own a boat? The Harbour Ridge Marina offers pontoon boats for members to rent and cruise around the St. Lucie River. The Marina’s friendly staff can give you the local knowledge of the area and its wildlife. For more information on how to live the Harbour Ridge lifestyle contact membership@hrycc.org.
While you’re here on the Treasure Coast, stop by to visit Harbour Ridge, one of Florida’s premier private waterfront golf communities. Its waterfront location on the St. Lucie River makes it the perfect place to live, and it’s treasured by members and residents alike.
Harbour Ridge offers the best of the Florida lifestyle. The two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the entire courses. Residents can entertain themselves at the new Lakeside Fitness Center or explore the surrounding area with kayaks and boat rentals from the on-site Marina. An active calendar of events informs residents of the activities that will take place in the neighborhood, and consists of everything from sporting events to dinners and social gatherings.
To learn more about the unique Florida lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community.
Golfers at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club have more incentive than most to “keep it in the fairways.”
Some of the holes at the course in St. Lucie County north of Palm City are bordered by wetlands, and folks at Harbour Ridge take protecting their wetlands very seriously.
“You stay out of the wetlands, even if your ball goes in there,” said Tim Cann, director of greens and ground maintenance at the club. “You take a drop instead. And the worst thing a golfer wants is another stroke on his scorecard.”
As one of eight Treasure Coast golf courses certified by Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program, Harbour Ridge cares about more than wetlands.
To be certified, a course has to meet strict standards in wildlife and habitat management, pest control, water conservation and water quality.
Despite news in early February that construction of a golf club partially owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan near Hobe Sound was polluting the South Fork of the St. Lucie River, courses generally are good environmental stewards, said Edie Widder, lead scientist and founder of the Ocean Research & Conservation Association in Fort Pierce.
ORCA developed a map showing “hot spots” of nutrients flowing into the Indian River Lagoon around Vero Beach. The areas around two Audubon-certified courses — Vero Beach Country Club and The Moorings Yacht & Country Club — are surprisingly “cool.”
“Yeah, we were pretty surprised, given that we assumed golf courses use a lot of fertilizer,” Widder said.
Spoon feeding’
Turns out over-fertilizing isn’t just bad for the environment, it’s bad for golf courses, said Craig Weyandt, course superintendent at The Moorings.
“The role of a golf course superintendent is to maintain the turf and to keep it healthy, not to grow grass,” he said. “Feed turfgrass too much nitrogen, for example, and it depletes the carbohydrate reserves in the plant. It would be like a doctor making a patient sick.”
Over-fertilizing also forces a plant to grow, which to a golf course looking to stay both green and in the black means more mowing, more work and wasting more fuel.
Cann refers to it as “spoon feeding” nutrients.
“Before we use any fertilizer we test our soil to see what it needs,” he said. “Most homeowners don’t do that. They run out to Home Depot or Lowe’s and buy fertilizer that their soil may not need. By testing our soil, it’s very uncommon for us to put any phosphorus out. We just don’t need it.”
Pesticides at Audubon-certified golf courses are “spoon fed,” as well.
“Yes, golf courses use pesticides, the same way you take medicine when you get a cold or flu,” Weyandt said. “The difference is that today’s pesticides are host specific, meaning that there is not one pill to cure all ailments.”
Problems are treated on a spot-by-spot basis, he added, “not acre-by-acre.”
The first line of defense against pests at Harbour Ridge is “biological,” Cann said: good critters that eat bad critters.
When pesticides are used, they’re spot-treated using battery-operated tanks instead of broadcast sprayers. And they’re never used within 25 feet of lakes or wetlands.
Water hazards
When fairways and greens are lush in the middle of South Florida’s dry season, you know they’re using a lot of water.
But not as much as you might think, Cann said.
“Our water use has been diminished significantly over the past few years by technology,” he said.
The course has a computer-run irrigation system to prevent over-watering and switches that automatically shut down sprinklers when it rains.
“The automatic shutoff when it rains may be the biggest water saver,” Cann said. “The worst thing for me to see is the water running when it’s raining.”
The primary source for irrigation at Harbour Ridge is treated wastewater generated throughout the property. As a secondary source, Harbour Ridge has an agreement with the South Florida Water Management District to draw water out of the nearby C-23 Canal.
It’s a mutually beneficial relationship: The canal drains farmland in western Martin and St. Lucie counties, so it’s laden with nutrients and pollutants that, if not diverted to Harbour Ridge, would end up in the St. Lucie River.
Besides being used for irrigation, the canal water diverted to Harbour Ridge is sent to lakes and wetlands. Filtered by turf and nutrient-hungry aquatic plants, any water that leaves the property is cleaned before it enters the river.
Going natural
A lake tucked away from the Harbour Ridge golf course is home to a rookery for several species of birds, including cormorants, anhingas and egrets. Clumps of algae can be seen in the lake shallows, but Cann doesn’t rush to grab a bunch of chemicals to get rid of the green goo.
“Here, the algae is a part of the natural system,” he said.
If the algae was to get out of hand and threaten to take over the lake, Cann and his staff might install “bubblers” to aerate the water and cut back the algae naturally.
Most water hazards on the course and lakes throughout the community are lined with native plants such as pickerel weed to help suck up any nutrients that might run off the ground and keep the water clean.
“Good golf courses don’t poison their ponds,” Widder said. “They keep them clean naturally.”
Member buy-in
Most golf courses, even if they’re not Audubon-certified, are good stewards of the environment, said Ed Skvarch, St. Lucie County Extension Service director and commercial horticulture agent who teaches best management classes to golf course superintendents and other workers.
“In class we talk about how you don’t just throw pesticide at a bug problem and how you keep fertilizer out of the water,” Skvarch said. “I think most people take what they learn in the class and use it. Of course, some take the class just to get certified.”
Club members have to be educated about environment-friendly golf courses, too, Widder said, and not freak out at a patch of brown grass on a fairway.
“Let the people trained to maintain your golf course do their job the way they were trained,” Widder said. “You’ll get a better golf course, and we’ll all get a better lagoon.”
Audubon-approved
Eight Treasure Coast golf courses are certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, which helps to enhance wildlife habitats and protect natural resources:
- Floridian National Golf Club, Palm City
- Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm City
- Hawk’s Nest Golf Club (The Moorings), Vero Beach
- Loblolly Golf Club, Hobe Sound
- The Moorings Yacht & Country Club, Vero Beach
- Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, Orchid
- Sandridge Golf Club, Vero Beach
- Vero Beach Country Club, Vero Beach
Published By: TCPalm.com Tyler Treadway
The Treasure Coast offers so much variety when it comes to local beer and wine that it can be hard to decide where to try first.
The folks at the Treasure Coast Wine and Ale Trail break it down by providing a map listing some of the best local breweries and vineyards in the area. Residents at Harbour Ridge, one of the area’s best golf and country club communities, are lucky enough to be close to all the action. Here are a few of our favorites on the list, make sure to check them out!
Hop Life
Started by two firefighters in 2011, it’s a great place to score a classic brew, or try something different. One of their unique specialties, pineapple mango, is a crowd favorite. A busy food truck schedule and a great happy hour establish this brewery as a local hangout!
Sailfish Brewing Company
Sailfish Brewing Company established itself as the first brewery in the Treasure Coast in 2013, and has been setting the local standard ever since. Whether they’re hosting the Bonita Brew Fest or having tasted, this place is always finding a new way to improve upon the traditional formula.
Summer Crush Winery
The first winery and vineyard on Florida’s Central East and Southeast Coasts, Summer Crush Winery represents the spirit of Florida with each glass. Tours of the vineyard and winery are available, and they’re well known for hosting many music events and festivals.
Many businesses and breweries line the Treasure Coast; all within convenient distance to Harbour Ridge, one of Florida’s premier private waterfront golf communities. Its waterfront location on the St. Lucie River makes it the perfect place to live, and it’s truly treasured by members and residents alike.
Harbour Ridge offers the best of the Florida lifestyle. The two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the entire courses. Residents can entertain themselves at the new Lakeside Fitness Center or exploring the surrounding area with kayak and boat rentals from the on-site Marina. An active calendar of events informs residents of the activities that will take place in the neighborhood, and consists of everything from sporting events to dinners and social gatherings. To learn more about the unique Florida lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community.
Harbour Ridge, located in Palm City on the Florida’s Treasure Coast, will be hosting this year’s Society of Seniors Ralph Bogart Golf Tournament at the Harbour Ridge Clubhouse on December 4-7.
The Ralph Bogart Tournament will be a 54-hole stroke play event open to the members of the Society of Seniors Golf Association.
The Society of Seniors is home to the finest senior amateur golfers in the world. Its 967 members provide strong competition on the finest courses. This 55+ society has won 49 National Championships since 1983 and 60 Master Tournaments.
Located on the St. Lucie River, Harbour Ridge is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of its breathtaking views. The River Ridge Course, designed by Pete and P.B. Dye, boasts one of the highest ratings in all of Florida. The Joe Lee-designed Golden Marsh course is still considered one of Mr. Lee’s top ten of all time and offers players tropical charm with swaying palms and sweeping vistas at every turn. Both courses boast the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Status. The newly renovated 45-000 sq. ft. waterfront clubhouse is the heart of Harbour Ridge; where golfers and tennis players mingle with yachters and nature enthusiasts to create a buzzing, active neighborhood of residents, each one of whom is proud to call Harbour Ridge home. Sports and cards, activities and events, and a shared love for our Club brings members together and gives Harbour Ridge its unique appeal.
Lakeside Spa Fitness and Tennis recently opened last year. The 22,000-square foot state-of-the-art complex, hosts a full-service salon and barber shop, signature spa services, a large spacious cardio, free weight and stretch area, TRX classes, spin room, physical therapy, private or group Pilates, along with a juice and smoothie bar. It also features eight Har-Tru tennis courts and a stadium exhibition court along with lap swimming and water aerobics.
Harbour Ridge is a private, 885-acre community with 695 residences that overlook its two picturesque golf courses, acres of Audubon-certified nature preserve and is perfectly situated on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The Board of Directors, management and staff, along with members, are all dedicated to maintaining their commitment to financial soundness and stability in an environment which enables them to enrich their quality of life.
For more information on Harbour Ridge visit harbourridge.com to request a Digital Brochure and to learn about the Be Our Guest program or call the Membership Office at (772) 873-6013.
For more information on the Society of Seniors Ralph Bogart Tournament please contact James Popa at 614.487.1207 or email help@societyofseniors.com.