Occano enhances Arnold Palmer Signature Course

Situated along the Albemarle Sound of North Carolina, Occano will soon greet golfers with a refreshed layout at the Arnold Palmer Signature Course.

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 as one of the country’s top new private courses back in 2009.

“The Arnold Palmer Signature Course, combined with the picturesque setting on the Albemarle Sound, make playing the course a unique experience,” said Occano general manager Michael C. Parah Sr., PGA. “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:

• Replacing bunkers using the Better Billy Bunker system and replacing drainage
• The addition of zoysia sod around the edge of bunkers
• Restoration and expansion of 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, VP 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.

“The Occano property is breathtaking, and it has been a joy to be a part of this golf course renovation process,” Signet Golf Construction owner Pete Dejak said. “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.”

The reimagined Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Occano will be open for public play with tee times available through the pro shop.