Arnold Palmer Design Company Leads Multi-Million Dollar Reimagination for One of North Carolina’s Top Golf Courses
MERRY HILL, N.C. – Starting at the end of November, golfers at Occano will be greeted with a refreshed layout at the Arnold Palmer Signature Course, which is situated along the Albemarle Sound of North Carolina. Partnering with Arnold Palmer Design Company and Signet Golf Associates, Occano, a new real estate community developed by Dilweg, aims to bring the course back to its elevated status that earned recognition by Golf Digest as America’s Ninth Best New Private Course in 2009.
“The Arnold Palmer Signature Course, combined with the picturesque setting on the Albemarle Sound, make playing the course a unique experience,” said Michael C. Parah Sr., PGA, General Manager of Occano. “As we continue to make significant enhancements across the community, we’re excited about the golf course renovation and can’t wait to unveil the finished project to our residents and guests.”
Occano is using the renovation as an opportunity to re-envision the entire course to present golfers with an entirely different aesthetic and level of strategic interest. The $3 million renovation project began earlier this year following Dilweg’s acquisition of the Scotch Hall property in 2021, with the following enhancements scheduled for completion in November 2022:
- Replacing bunkers using the Better Billy Bunker system and replacing drainage.
- The addition of zoysiasod around the edge of bunkers.
- Restoration and expanding the shape of all greens and surrounding enhancements.
- Resurfacing all cart path bridges.
- Ornamental plant removal to revegetate with native/natural plantings.
- Addition of tee space and forward tees to add a different style of play.
“The opportunity to revisit an already acclaimed golf course with fresh perspective is a special honor and we thank Occano for welcoming us to bring their vision to life,” said Brandon Johnson, ASGCA, Vice President and Senior Golf Course Architect at Arnold Palmer Design Company. “With these comprehensive renovations, Occano will present residents and guests with a brand-new look and feel, as well as a new strategic level of play.”
Occano’s Arnold Palmer Signature course covers 7,262 yards and offers five sets of tees to challenge all skill levels. Debuted in 2008, the course offers stunning views of the Albemarle Sound. In April of this year the course, once again, was recognized in the North Carolina Golf Panel’s annual ranking of top courses in the state and is considered a jewel in the Northeast part of the state.
“The Occano property is breathtaking, and it has been a joy to be a part of this golf course renovation process,” said Pete Dejak, Owner of Signet Golf Construction. “Brandon Johnson and the Arnold Palmer Design Company have brought a level of artistry to the bunker complexes that catch your eye as you travel throughout the Occano development. It’s a golf course that everyone will be talking about soon and golfers of all skill levels will appreciate the improved playability with the green complex revisions and tee additions.”
Occano presents a host of existing amenities highlighted by the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. Residents also have access to tennis courts, a beach club and pool, boat launch, and day dock. As Occano grows, there will be additions to the list of luxury amenities designed specifically for an easy-flowing life near the water.
The reimagined Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Occano will be open for public play with tee times available through the pro shop. To learn more about the course or to book a tee time visit www.occano.com/golf/.
About Occano
Occano is a resort-style community located on the Albemarle Sound less than a 25-minute drive from Edenton, North Carolina. Situated on nearly 1,100-acres, the community is home to an award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature Course, and endless outdoor activities like biking, racquet sports, walking trails, and water sports. To learn more, visit www.occano.com
Contact:
Jeff Webster
BGRM
843.813.2322
jwebster@rawlemurdy.com
