Occano

Scotch Hall is one of the best courses in the state for a reason. The value for the money is outstanding, and being able to secure a Hot Deal for a tee time ensures golfers get an insane deal, well worth the two hour drive from Raleigh.

If you're playing from the tips, the course will require you to use every club in your bag. Most holes are exposed to the elements, so club selection is a premium as well as the ability to flight the ball. It's not overly long for a par 72, although the wind on the back nine - especially in the afternoon - can lengthen many holes substantially. All but one of the par 5s are reachable, depending on the wind of course. The greens are smaller compared to your average course, which requires accuracy and course management when holes are in difficult positions. Fairways are generous for some holes but you will need to work the ball both ways. There are some tee shots that are classic risk-reward, so if you're on your game, take advantage.

Most of the bunkers are in awful shape, but there was a small hurricane that came through a couple weeks ago, so those should be fixed by next year. My only serious complaint, aside from allowing a 5some to go out ahead of a twosome, is the condition of the greens. To be fair, last winter wasn't a good one for Bermuda or bent, and some courses are in worse shape or had to replace their greens entirely. It's still warm enough out that bent needs to be kept longer to ensure it doesn't perish. That being said, the greens were about the same speed as your average muni, which is unacceptable for course of this caliber. True, the last time I played this course was when I worked for a pro tour and they were running around a 12, so perhaps my expectations were artificially inflated. Still, disappointing to say the least. There was one temporary green and the clubhouse failed to notify us.

Overall, the value for the money is excellent. The clubhouse has a solid food and beer selection. The GPS screen on the golf carts is a nice feature. This course, when the greens are in good condition, is a web.com-quality course. If the housing bubble hadn't popped and the course wasn't situated in the middle of BFE, this course would be hosting events. Looking forward to coming back.

This is a course that no matter how you play, because of the layout and location on the sound, you just feel great about being there.
Definitely won't play if it is a Cart Path Only day.
They used to have a perk of free range balls. Now they are charging for them, which is one of the things that made me come from Moyock, NC which is about an hour and forty five minutes of windshield time and gas one way.
The driving range had almost no balls in the range area, and no one hitting at our time of play which was unusual. My friend and I were disappointed with this new policy, which is $5 for small bucket, and $10 for a large bucket of balls, which we pay more in gas for the distance and travel and was offset by the use of free golf balls on the range.
The greens fees are more than they were in the past and you get less perks.
We will not be as regular as we were, and play Mulberry links (more bang for the buck) for less and save a hour of travel until this policy goes back to allowing us the leisure of tuning up on the range with free practice balls.
Sounds petty, don't let it affect your willingness to play a beautiful top rated and maintained golf course.

Apparent that the course had major repairs (substantial sod replacement & cart path repairs / replacement). Bunkers & Greens were in great shape. The rate for 18 holes with cart was $75 which is pricey for the location.

The conditions were great, but the weather was tough. Staff was amazing and I look forward to playing it again very soon.

This course is considered course for all player.!
I was fun to play it and had great experience for me.
but half hole is not working now.
I heard that It is available at end of September.
Anyway, staff and amenity are great .
Thank you for asking me this time!!

Occano is a fantastic course with an outstanding layout and absolutely beautiful scenic holes. The course is in great condition. At this point you can only play the back nine since the front nine is undergoing a major renovation of all of its bunkers and areas around the greens. When complete this will be a course that you will have to put on your list of places to play. The course is exceptional, the staff is friendly and welcoming, and the price is reasonable.

I have heard so much about this course out in the middle of nowhere. Definitely worth the drive, but... They are undergoing major course revamping. Only upon arrival were we notified that only 9 holes were open. The front nine are going thru upgrades/changes. They are putting a lot of money into what already was a beautiful place to play. At least the 9 I got to see. This will be going on for at least all summer, so do yourself a favor and know what you're going to get. Again, great layout, beautiful views and course in great condition. Got to play the same 9 twice and that in itself helps if you're a first-time visitor.

Fantastic Find! Straight shot to the coarse beautiful scenery and super clean coarse. Greens were great, it seemed like we were on our own private coarse.

I’ve played her several times over the last couple of years but this was my first time since new ownership a couple of months ago. Drove 90 minutes from Va Beach as facility is top shelf. They needed a beverage cart for 85 degree day. Not sure why it wasn’t out. Great value but in the middle of nowhere. I’ll return when I have a day to get away.