Brandon Johnson

Merry Hill, NC

Occano sits on the Albemarle Sound in Merry Hill, North Carolina, part of a residential development along the Inner Banks. Eleven of its eighteen holes run along the water, giving the round a strong coastal character with wind often a factor. The course was created by Arnold Palmer's design team, originally opening under a different name in 2008. In 2022 the ownership group completed a $3 million renovation led by Brandon Johnson of Arnold Palmer Design Company, rebuilding bunkers, expanding green surrounds and adding forward tees. Occano operates as a public facility with a full practice area, pro shop and cart service. Its exposed sound-side setting means conditions can change quickly, so calling ahead about wind and course status is worthwhile, especially after storms.