Riomar Country Club (Vero Beach, FL) - Ron Forse work

[Tim Gavrich]

I saw through a gap in the hedges earlier this evening that the course is closed and being worked on this summer. Originally a half-Herbert Strong course that has been (has it?) shifted around over the years for A1A expansion, etc. A quick googling and it looks like Ron Forse has been contracted to do some/all of the following:

- Raising a number of tees and greens on the ocean side to bring it more into view
- Rebuilding all greens and greenside bunkers
- Re-grassing the entire course
- Building 12 new forward tees
- Raising fairways approximately 6 – 10 inches on the back nine to help improve with drainage

Forse has some FL experience, including Pine Tree, Boca Rio and Indian Creek, per his website. I haven't played it, but it seems Riomar is very quiet and peaceful and classic; looks like they found the right person for the job.

Riomar comments from the GCA crowd? Not too much prior chatter about it that I could find. I hope to see it post-renovation at some point and will gladly report back if I do.

[Anthony_Nysse]

Tommy Fazio is doing the work. Ron was originally on board. Not sure what happened. I've never asked him.

[JNagle]

We were on board throughout the development and approval of the plan.  Once they moved on to construction, the club decided to go with a local (Tommy Fazio - Tom's nephew) to see the project through completion. 

[Joe Lynch]

Played Riomar a little over a year ago and really enjoyed it.  Absolutely immaculate - perfectly manicured.  Great idea for them to try and incorporate more of the ocean as many of the holes that claim to be on it it's barely visible.  Very exclusive old money membership.  When checking in the pro said, "We never have guests so I'm not really sure what to charge you."  Back nine has a completely different feel as it was made many years after but still an excellent.  Some of the homes on the front side near the ocean are incredible.  If given the opportunity to play again I definitely would as it is probably the nicest course in the area.  I look forward to seeing pictures once the revision is complete.