The former Scotch Hall Preserve course in Merry Hill, North Carolina, will reopen at the end of November as part of the new Occano community following its acquisition by developer Dilweg and a $3 million renovation by Brandon Johnson of Arnold Palmer Design Company, the firm behind the course’s original design.
The course, which overlooks the Albemarle Sound, originally opened in 2008 and was acquired by Dilweg in 2021. Signet Golf began construction work on the revised layout in early 2022.
The new Occano course will provide golfers with an “entirely different aesthetic and level of strategic interest”. This has involved rebuilding bunkers – with Better Billy Bunker liners, new drainage and Zoysia sod around edges – restoring and expanding the shape of greens and surrounds, resurfacing cart path bridges, removal of ornamental plants and revegetation with native planting, and the addition of tee space and forward tees.
“The opportunity to revisit an already acclaimed golf course with fresh perspective is a special honour and we thank Occano for welcoming us to bring their vision to life,” said Johnson. “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.”
Michael Parah, general manager of Occano, said: “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.”
Pete Dejak, owner of Signet Golf Construction, said: “The Occano property is breathtaking, and it has been a joy to be a part of this golf course renovation process. 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.”