Some moments shape a place forever. For Occano—then known as Innsbrook—that moment came on May 9, 2008, when the legendary Arnold Palmer arrived to personally inaugurate the community’s new 18-hole championship golf course.
The community now known as Occano was inspired by the untouched beauty of Bertie County’s Inner Banks. Surrounded by Salmon Creek, the Albemarle Sound, and the Black Walnut Swamp, the land offered rare potential—quiet, scenic, and deeply connected to nature.
The plan was ambitious: a high-end golf and boating community that blended modern living with ecological harmony, while bringing jobs, tourism, and long-term economic growth to the region.
At first, some locals were skeptical. But as hills were sculpted, lakes formed, and wildlife returned—seagulls, swans, hawks—it became clear the land wasn’t being compromised. It was being enhanced.
At the heart of the project was a championship golf course designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company. Defined by elevation changes, wide fairways, and panoramic water views, the course quickly earned recognition as one of the most beautiful layouts in the region—even before its official opening.
Then came the moment that cemented its place in history.
On a spring day in 2008, Arnold Palmer arrived not for a ribbon-cutting, but to play the course himself.
At 78 years old, “The King” teed it up as a large crowd followed him across multiple holes, watching closely as he navigated the course he helped bring to life. Despite his age, Palmer still displayed flashes of the confidence, charisma, and shot-making brilliance that made him one of the most beloved figures in golf history.
It was not a ceremonial appearance. It was authentic, personal, and unforgettable.
Following the round, the day unfolded into a true community celebration. Tents were raised, food was shared, and conversations flowed as residents, media, and local leaders gathered to mark the occasion.
County officials and regional leaders recognized the significance of the moment—not just as the opening of a golf course, but as a symbol of Bertie County’s potential. The project promised to strengthen the local economy, bring new jobs and tourism, and preserve the natural landscape that made the area special.
That day in 2008 marked the beginning of a legacy—one personally launched by Arnold Palmer himself. Today, as the community has evolved into Occano, that legacy remains central to its identity. From the course’s original design to its thoughtful restoration in partnership with the Arnold Palmer Design Company, the spirit of that opening day continues to guide the future.
Not every course can say Arnold Palmer stood on its fairways, played its holes, and introduced it to the world -- but Occano can.
Experience Occano today.
Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.