Recently, our friends at Palmetto & Pine captured Occano's spirit beautifully in their video “Playing the Best NC Golf Course You’ve Never Heard of | Exploring the Carolinas Ep. 6.”
Playing the Best NC Golf Course You've Never Heard of | Exploring the Carolinas Ep. 6
Why Occano Deserves Your Attention
- From the opening hole through the 18th, the Palmetto & Pine crew took a hole-by-hole journey, giving you the full layout, scenery, and quirks of Occano.
- Occano delivers a compelling mix of design, scenery and playability — it blends natural North Carolina terrain, thoughtful routing, and surprises around every turn.
- Despite being lesser known compared to the big name resorts, Occano offers an experience that many golfers only discover by word-of-mouth.
What the Video Gets Right
- The narration and camera work give real attention to each hole: how the tee shot sets you up, how the fairways bend, how the greens play.
- Scenic shots emphasize the marsh and water views that distinguish Occano from many inland Sandhills courses.
- The segment does a great job of balancing challenge and enjoyment — the course doesn’t just play tough, it invites you to appreciate the design.
- Credit to Palmetto & Pine for an immersive feature: this kind of hole-by-hole attention isn’t often given to “under-the-radar” tracks.
Player Tips for Your Visit
- Take note of the wind. Given Occano’s location on the Sound, breezes can significantly affect club selection.
- Play smart off the tee. Several holes reward positioning and decision-making more than brute length. The video highlights this nicely.
- Enjoy the views. Make sure you pause and take in the surroundings — water, marshes, pines — they’re part of the character.
- Use the video as a preview. If possible, watch the relevant hole on the video just before you play it — you’ll have an added mental advantage walking into each shot.
Final Thoughts
Occano is that “best-you’ve-never-heard-of” kind of course. And thanks to Palmetto & Pine’s excellent feature, you now get a front-row seat into what makes us special. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path in North Carolina golf, make your way to Merry Hill and see Occano for yourself! Book your round today at https://www.occano.com/golf/ or by calling our Pro Shop at 252-482-5300.
