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Castle Stuart Golf Links - Cabot Highlands
Course Review
Set on the banks of the Moray Firth is the incredible Castle Stuart Golf Links.
Recently purchased by The Cabot Collection and renamed as Cabot Highlands but the excellence has remained.
The course is one of our favourites due to the great Highland hospitality and the sheer enjoyment of the course.
We travelled down the drive towards the unique clubhouse where our sense of excitement for our day ahead began.
The ClubHouse at Castle Stuart
The unique white building is the centre piece of the property and is simply stunning.
As you approach you get the usual Highland hospitality - tee time confirmed and given directions to the changing rooms, practice area and first tee.
Inside the clubhouse you are directed upstairs to the changing rooms.
The panoramic view over the course and Moray Firth is breathtaking - be sure to take your own photographs.
We got our shoes on and a quick look round the pro shop before heading to the practice area.
Pretty impossible to leave the shop without purchasing some of the top-quality merchandise.
Cabot Highlands Practice Facilities
The practice facilities are fantastic with a large open range with balls waiting for you.
The practice area may have moved by the time you get there with it going to be the 1st and 18th holes of the new Tom Doak designed course due to open in 2025!
Next to the range is a tidy short game area.
You will undoubtedly need that short game sharp on the course so be sure to spend a bit of time there.
We left the short game area and headed to the starter area and the biggest most impressive putting green area.
A few hours could be passed on the putting green.
A group of visitors looked to be wagering a few quid putting following their round.
The starter introduced himself at the halfway house and gave us out delightful goody bag and important advice before pointing us in the direction of the first tee.
On the Tee at Castle Stuart Golf Links
Choosing the right set of tees can be important depending on your ability.
Remember it’s about enjoying your day.
We went off the white tees as we have a few decent players in the team....one maybe not so much!!
Off the tee the course is fair and playable for all with relatively wide fairways.
It is round the greens where it shows its teeth.
Large undulating greens with run off areas to pick up the slightest errors - a rollercoaster ride!!
The first 9 play to the west of the clubhouse before heading east for the back 9.
First few holes are played on the water’s edge with a great risk reward par 4 third hole followed by a par 3 towards the castle being a highlight.
As you finish towards the clubhouse you pass the halfway house.
We stopped for a breather - a bite to eat and a beer to ensure we were hydrated for the battle on the back 9.
Again, the first few holes hug the shore with the fantastic short par 3 11th providing a test of your distance.
This proved difficult for a couple of us, ending up on the stoney beach / water.
We headed up the hill to the 13th and as the swoop round the dog leg it opens up more incredible views over the Moray Firth.
We got to the par 5 finishing hole with our fourball match long finished.
It was time to let rip with the driver down the hill - take aim at the saltire flag in the distance to the blind fairway.
A good drive allows a chance to make the green in two but a slight push and you may end up where silky Phil Mickelson played his delightful shot to win the Scottish Open in 20213.
It turned out to be a good practice venue, winning The Open the very next week.
The weather was relatively kind after a cold start.
Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen sure created a masterpiece.
Post-Round Food and Drink
We packed away the clubs and it was definitely time to refuel and there isn't much better clubhouse dining options.
Our table overlooked the previously mentioned monstrous putting green and Moray Firth.
A lovely pint of Tennent’s lager was just what the doctor ordered before digging into a lovely plate of Fish & Chips.
A nice area to chill and discuss the round.
Whether the golf was up to scratch or not it certainly didn't disappoint.
Conclusion
We try to make a visit every year and with the 2nd course coming soon we will have double the reason to go - we can't wait to see the final product.
This will make it into one of the very best golf experiences in the country.
Inverness is a top city to base for a trip to Scotland with the likes of Royal Dornoch, Nairn and Brora all within a short drive.
