Cabot Highlands, formerly known as Castle Stuart Golf Links, is a relative newcomer in the world of golf, having only opened in 2009. However, in just over fifteen years, it has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s premier links courses. Its championship pedigree is evident—having played host to the European Tour’s Scottish Open four times between 2011 and 2016, a testament to its world-class design and layout.
A Course Designed for Greatness
Designed by American duo Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, the course was envisioned to complement the historic links of the Scottish Highlands while offering something unique. The course blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, utilizing rolling dunes, rugged coastline, and stunning views of the Moray Firth to create an unforgettable golfing experience.
Situated just six miles northeast of Inverness—the capital of the Scottish Highlands—Cabot Highlands is steeped in history. An actual castle, or more accurately, a 16th-century tower house, stands behind the 4th green. This structure not only lends its name to the course but also serves as the inspiration for the club’s distinctive logo. The clubhouse, an elegant Art Deco-inspired building, evokes the style of Royal Birkdale’s clubhouse and provides panoramic views of the course and surrounding coastline.
Pre-Round Preparation
Cabot Highlands boasts outstanding practice facilities, including a full-length driving range, a dedicated short game area, and an enormous putting green in front of the clubhouse. Whether warming up for a round or fine-tuning your game, these facilities ensure that players are well-prepared to tackle the course.
Front Nine: Battling the Elements
As with any true links course, the weather plays a pivotal role in the Cabot Highlands experience. Golfers either hope for a calm, sunny day to score well or a brisk breeze to test their shot-making skills. We were treated to the latter—a blustery but exhilarating challenge.
View from the first tee
The opening hole is a beauty. At just under 400 yards from the white tees, it should be a gentle introduction to the links. A bank of yellow gorse on the left of the fairway and the Moray Firth on the right beautifully frames the opening tee shot. However, when it’s into a 25 mph wind, it’s a formidable start. A decent driver off the tee, followed by a well-struck 3 wood left me 20 yards short!! A bump and run and a two putt and I was happy with a bogey to start. It could have been much worse.
The second hole, a 530-yard par 5, also played directly into the wind and for me wasn’t even reachable in 3. Driver, 3 wood, 3 wood and we were in the left bunker, just short. A hack out and two putts meant an easy six and a bogey, bogey start. We were discovering that playing in the wind is tough and yardages mean nothing!!
The 3rd hole
Pars at Last!
The third hole, a short par 4, would normally be a birdie chance, however, the wind made judging the approach shot tricky as the green is narrow with run-off areas left, right and short. It would be our first par and it felt like a small victory on a day of golfing attrition.
The 4th green with the tower house in the background.
The 4th is the first par 3 on the course and was a welcome respite from the elements. For a right-handed player, the right-to-left wind is easier to play in and it was the case for me on this hole. The hole was playing 176 yards and a well-struck 6 iron left me with a 20-foot putt up the tier. Two pars in a row.
The 5th and 6th, a par 4 and a par 5, which go in opposite directions, were both playing with the wind across. Neither hole played straightforward. The 5th is a 430-yard par 4 where you must avoid the fairway bunkers and the gorse down the right. The 6th is a par 5 of almost 530 yards. It’s a relatively straightforward hole if you play it as a 3 shotter. Lay up short of the bunker in the middle of the fairway on your second shot to leave a simple pitch to the green.
Your second shot at the 7th
The 7th hole is a cracking hole. It plays like a dogleg and the green looks like it’s sitting at the top of a cliff. A strong par 4 at 450 yards, being on the left side of the fairway gives you the best angle to the green. The green is enormous at 46 yards long so being pin high is preferential for an easy two putt.
The Downwind Holes
The 8th and 9th holes were the first holes to play downwind which was a welcome relief. The 8th is a 200-yard par 3 which plays downhill to a large punchbowl green. Again, being pin high, in the right part of the green means you can two-putt. However, there are some parts of this green from which three and four putting are a distinct possibility.
The 9th hole
The 9th is a shortish par 4 at 350 yards and for some, a great risk and reward hole. As it was playing directly downwind, we thought that we would have a go. The ideal line is just left of the clubhouse as there is a gully if you go further left. Our tee shot finished on the upslope about 30 yards short of the green. A pitch to 10 feet and a single putt gave us the first birdie of the day and it was a great end to a fantastic front nine holes
Back Nine: Coastal Majesty
On the way to the tenth tee, we stopped at the halfway house for a coffee. The starter asked how our round was going and when we said that it was tough in this wind, he said that this was only a good breeze and not really a wind!!
The back nine starts with a short par 4 which runs right along the Moray Firth which is now on your left. Playing downwind, it was a 3 wood off the tee followed by a wedge into a long narrow green which is next to the water’s edge.
The 11th hole
The short 11th is a picturesque par 3. At only 130 yards, it’s a potential birdie hole although looks can be deceiving. The green is 44 yards long so finishing pin high is not as easy as you first think. Par 3’s don’t have to be long to be challenging!!
The 12th is an uphill par 5 of 520 yards and was the last hole that was next to the water. A decent drive leaves you with a choice of whether to go for the green or layup. Going for the green is tough with bushes on the left, a bunker to carry and the only bailout is up the right. The long green is surrounded by gorse bushes so it’s better to lay up and wedge in from around 100 yards out.
Taking the High Ground
The view up the Moray Firth from the 13th green
There is a fairly long uphill walk to the 13th tee, which is a par 4 which doglegs to the right. The approach to the green gives fantastic views beyond, up the Moray Firth to the Kessock Bridge. Don’t be distracted by the view and concentrate on trying to make par.
Holes 14 and 15 are medium-length par 4’s. On these holes, being on the fairway off the tee is the only way to make a straightforward par. Miss the fairways and it’s best to take your medicine and layup. The 16th is a short par 4 which is driveable under the right conditions although bunkers and bushes await the offline shot.
The Last Short Hole
The 17th hole
The 17th is a strong par 3 at over 200 yards. It was playing directly into the wind and our 3 wood off the tee didn’t reach the green. Favour the left off the tee to avoid the bunkers and trouble on the right side.
The 18th approach
The final hole is over 500 yards and plays slightly downhill however it’s not an easy birdie hole. The tee shot is a blind one and the line off the tee is the Scottish Saltire flag, which is left of the clubhouse. The second shot plays downhill and was into the wind. The safe line is to play to the left which leaves a short pitch onto the large undulating green. We went for it and ended up in the bunker to the right and below the green. Four shots later and it was a bad bogey. There is a time and a place to go for the green and this wasn’t one of them!
Beyond the Golf: Local Attractions & History
Inverness and the surrounding Highlands offer a wealth of attractions for visitors. Golfers looking to explore the region should consider:
- Culloden Battlefield – The site of the infamous 1746 battle that ended the Jacobite uprising.
- Clava Cairns – Ancient standing stones dating back over 4,000 years, steeped in mystery and folklore.
- Loch Ness – No trip to Inverness is complete without a visit to the legendary loch, home of the fabled Nessie.
- Urquhart Castle – Overlooking Loch Ness, this historic ruin provides breathtaking views and a glimpse into Scotland’s past.
Luxury Accommodation: Ness Walk
For those seeking an exceptional stay, Cabot Highlands’ recommendation of Ness Walk proved to be outstanding. This five-star boutique hotel, nestled on the banks of the River Ness, offers impeccable service and luxurious accommodations.
The hotel is situated on the banks of the River Ness, in the centre of Inverness and only 8 miles from the golf course. We were greeted by the concierge and offered a complimentary glass of bubbly before checking in.
Our room
Our ensuite bedroom was large and very comfortable and had a seating area and patio doors which led out to the sunny courtyard.
The courtyard.
Sitting outside in the sunshine with a gin and tonic was the perfect end to a tough day on the course and the ideal way to relax before dinner. We have been fortunate to stay and eat in many nice hotels over the years however Ness Walk goes straight into our top 5 hotels we have visited.
The bar and dining room
The hotel’s restaurant surpassed expectations, offering an exquisite menu with locally sourced ingredients. The raspberry soufflé was a standout, earning our highest recommendation.
Raspberry Souffle
We cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. It was simply outstanding. The staff, the rooms, the food, the location, everything about this hotel oozes class and excellence. It’s stunning and we can’t wait to return. Thank you to Angus Macleod, Marketing Manager at Kingsmills Hotels and to the team at Ness Walk for hosting us.
The Cabot Highlands Experience: Final Thoughts
Cabot Highlands is a venue that exceeds expectations, providing both a challenge and an unforgettable golfing experience. Playing in the wind only adds to the adventure, encouraging creative shot-making and a true appreciation for the subtleties of links golf. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a visitor keen to experience Scotland’s rich golfing heritage, Cabot Highlands is a must-play destination.
Later in 2025, a second course, Old Petty, will be opened. Designed by Tom Doak, it will enhance Cabot Highlands’ offering and make it the premier 36-hole destination in the Highlands of Scotland.
A huge thank you to Stuart McColm and his team for their hospitality. We eagerly anticipate our return to this magnificent venue.
At a Glance:
- Former European Tour venue
- Second course opening in 2025
- Exceptional practice facilities
- Breathtaking coastal scenery
- World-class service and clubhouse amenities
- Superb nearby accommodations at Ness Walk
- Visit the Cabot Highlands website here
- Visit the Ness Walk website here
For any golfer seeking a truly memorable venue in Scotland, Cabot Highlands is an unmissable experience.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If you want to reach over 400,000 golfers who love to travel, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
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