Occano

Occano (previously called Scotch Hall Preserve) offers ocean coast golf about as far inland as can be had in the United States, as it sits at the farthest reach of Albemarle Sound, where the body finally meets the Chowan River. Both offer numerous vistas to golfers playing at this Arnold Palmer design, a private club which has opened its doors to public play.

Eleven holes offer views of the Sound, and that’s far from the only contact with water players will encounter during a round, as a number of inland ponds will offer less welcoming aquatic views. Additionally, marshland is a major factor around the property, often edging fairways on both sides. That is not to say trees won’t be an issue; although the majority of corridors at Occano are relatively open, Palmer has a bit of fun with the golfer at No. 13, where he leaves a tree right in the middle of the fairway. Fortunately, this is not one of the instances where marshland will make traveling around it a nuisance.

The marsh also makes the par threes among the highlights along the route. Aside from the coastal scenery that comes with the forced carries, the bridges extending from the teebox to the putting surfaces on the other side are an adventure unto themselves.

The course can play up to 7,250 from the back tees.