Castle Stuart
Inverness, Highlands
Castle Stuart is a modern yet traditional-feeling Scottish links course set dramatically along the Moray Firth, where wide, sweeping fairways run atop coastal bluffs and greens appear to hang over the sea. Designed by Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen, it blends classic early-20th-century links aesthetics with contemporary playability, using the natural and rugged landscape, rumpled terrain, and striking "infinity-edge" greens to create both beauty and strategic challenge. With varied holes, constant ocean views and Highlands scenery, and a thrilling final stretch, it stands as one of Scotland's most scenic and thoughtfully crafted courses.
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40 photos — Click any image to view full size
Castle Stuart Golf Links opened in 2009, designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse on a spectacular site overlooking the Moray Firth near Inverness. Built on the Stuarts of Castle Stuart's land, the course quickly gained international acclaim. The design philosophy emphasized strategic options and natural contours. Within three years of opening, it hosted the Scottish Open, becoming the fastest new course to host a European Tour event. The course offers stunning views of the Moray Firth and the Scottish Highlands.
Architect
Gil Hanse & Mark Parsinen
Established
2009
- Scottish Open (2011, 2012, 2013, 2016)
- European Tour venue
- Fastest new course to host European Tour event
- Ranked in World Top 100 within years of opening
3rd Hole (Par 4): An infinity green hole with the Firth as a backdrop, offering a high-risk, high-reward, driveable opportunity. 4th Hole (Par 3): Features the historic castle behind the green, providing a perfect photo opportunity. 11th Hole (Par 3): A short, precise hole regarded as a favourite for its scenic views, tricky bunkering, and dramatic coastline backdrop.
Recommended Months
Course Conditions
Exceptional modern links conditions with perfect maintenance. Fairways are generous but strategically bunkered. Greens are among Scotland's finest - true and quick. The course typically plays firm and fast. Excellent drainage allows year-round play. Wind from the Moray Firth affects most holes. Summer provides peak conditions with nearly 18 hours of daylight. Spring and autumn offer great value.
How do I book my tee time?
Guests can submit an inquiry on the Cabot Highlands Reservations page to check availability, reserve tee times, and inquire about accommodations. You can also contact the team by phone at +44 (0)1463 796111 or by email at ch.bookings@cabot.com.
Do you have caddies?
Yes. Single bag caddies cost £70 plus gratuity. Forecaddies range from £80–£100 depending on group size, subject to advance booking and availability. Contact the Reservations team to arrange.
Do you have electric trolleys?
Yes, PowaKaddy electric trolleys with GPS are available for £25 per round, subject to advance request and availability.
When does the golf season run?
Castle Stuart is open from 27th March to 14th November 2026. Old Petty opens from 15th May to 14th November 2026.
What clubs can I rent?
Premium TaylorMade and Callaway men's and women's rental club sets are available at £60 per round, including a sleeve of golf balls.
Do I need a minimum handicap to play?
At Cabot Highlands, players of all skill levels are welcome. Five distinct tee boxes are available to suit different preferences and abilities.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
Lightning causes course closure for safety reasons. Rainy weather does not warrant refunds — playing with the elements is part of the links golf experience. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Are there golf buggies?
The courses are designed for walking. A limited number of buggies are available for guests with a medical certificate at £50 per round.
Can we ship our clubs?
Yes. Cabot Highlands partners with Ship Sticks for convenient door-to-door club and luggage shipping with real-time tracking.
Where can we stay?
Cabot Highlands offers three on-site self-catering lodges — The Farmhouse, The Golf Lodge, and Castle Cottage — each sleeping up to 8 guests across four en-suite bedrooms. Contact Reservations for availability and booking.
What are your check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Early check-in or late checkout may require booking an additional night.
Is breakfast included?
Yes — a complimentary continental breakfast is included with your stay and conveniently delivered right to your lodge.
Are there daily housekeeping services?
Housekeeping is offered for stays longer than three days, with linen changes on day three unless otherwise requested.
How far in advance can I book?
Cabot Highlands is currently taking reservations through 2027.
What is the cancellation policy?
Golf and accommodation bookings are non-refundable. Cancellations received more than 8 weeks before the date of play will be refunded in full. Between 4–8 weeks there is a 50% cancellation charge, or the booking can be moved to a new date for an administration fee of £50 (any higher fee difference also applies). Cancellations less than 4 weeks before play are non-refundable and non-transferable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Are all charges in GBP?
Yes. All charges are in GBP and include VAT at 20%, applied to all services and products.
How do I get to Cabot Highlands?
The closest airport is Inverness, just a 5-minute drive away. Aberdeen is approximately 2.5 hours, Edinburgh 3.5 hours, and Glasgow 4 hours. Private flights, helicopter transfers, and vehicle transfers are also available — contact Reservations for arrangements.
Is there parking on the property?
Parking at Cabot Highlands is complimentary for registered guests and golfers, with ample spaces near the clubhouse.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code at Cabot Highlands is smart casual.
Where can I eat on the property?
The Clubhouse restaurant serves breakfast from 7am–12pm and lunch/dinner from 12pm–8pm. The Halfway Hut on Castle Stuart offers beverages and snacks on the course. A food cart also serves Old Petty.
Do I need a restaurant reservation?
If you have a tee time, no reservation is required at the Clubhouse restaurant.
What is the weather like in Inverness?
Inverness averages under 900mm of rain per year. July and August average 17°C, while January averages 4°C. Mid-May to mid-June and early summer offer the most extended daylight hours — ideal for golf.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted on the premises. Registered service animals are welcome.
What other activities are nearby?
The surrounding area offers fly fishing, dolphin cruises on the Moray Firth, whisky distillery tours, hiking, cycling, falconry, and horseback riding. The city of Inverness is just 10 minutes away with museums, cathedrals, and restaurants.
Par
72
Length
6,566
yards
Difficulty Rating
5.0/5.0
The Farmhouse
A beautifully appointed property with en-suite bedrooms and connecting dressing rooms. Features a spacious Great Room with lounge, dining and kitchen areas, plus a utility drying room — ideal for golfers.
Views: Golf course, clubhouse, Moray Firth & Black Isle
The Golf Lodge
Situated right on the course between the 14th and 15th fairways, this lodge offers an immersive golf experience. Features 4 bedrooms including "the pod" super king room, and a Great Room with lounge, dining and kitchen.
Views: Clubhouse, golf course & Moray Firth
Castle Cottage
Set within the historic Castle Stuart grounds, Castle Cottage combines Scottish heritage with modern comfort. En-suite bedrooms with connecting dressing rooms, and a Great Room for the whole group.
Views: Countryside and castle grounds
Special food & beverage services available on request. Contact reservations: +44 (0)1463 796125
Castle Stuart: 27 Mar – 14 Nov 2026
Old Petty: 15 May – 14 Nov 2026
Complimentary use of practice facility available to all guests prior to tee time.
Early Season
27 Mar – 14 MayCastle Stuart onlyMain Season
15 May – 11 OctLate Season
12 Oct – 14 Nov*36-hole tickets must be played over any consecutive 7-day period. Second round must be booked at time of original booking.
Group Packages (min. 4 guests)
Early Season (27 Mar – 14 May)
Castle Stuart only
Main Season (15 May – 11 Oct)
Castle Stuart & Old Petty
Late Season (12 Oct – 14 Nov)
Castle Stuart & Old Petty
Includes 1 night in a self-catering lodge (4 en-suite bedrooms), 2 rounds of golf (one on each course). Price based on 4–8 guests sharing. Contact reservations for additional nights/rounds.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations more than 8 weeks prior: full refund. Between 4–8 weeks: 50% charge, or move date for £50 admin fee (any fee difference also applies). Less than 4 weeks: non-refundable and non-transferable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Inverness, Highlands
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