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Cabot Highlands

Inverness, Scotland

Castle Stuart Golf Links was recently acquired by Cabot Golf, which is renowned for its exceptional golf properties across the globe. Although the course will not be changing, a sister course designed by Tom Doak will open in 2024. With Castle Stuart Links, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs already in the World’s Top 100 in most prestigious rankings, it’s anticipated that Cabot Highlands Golf Course will join them upon opening – making it an increasingly popular attraction on any Scottish Highlands Golf Tour.

Castle Stuart Links immediately rose to the top of Scotland’s “must plays” upon opening. The course ingeniously weaves six holes along the Moray Firth, just feet above the water line. It also features 12 holes on the clifftop, and has gained recognition for its imaginative bunkers. The neighboring 17th century Castle Stuart, from which the course takes its name, is cleverly woven into the routing as a backdrop to the par 3, 4th hole.

Course Details

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World Top 100 Golf Course
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Host of the Scottish Open
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Designed by Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen
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Opened in 2009
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Ideal Location for a Highlands Tour
Sunset at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Scotland

Cabot Highlands & Inverness

In addition to the Castle Stuart Golf Links course, a former Scottish Open venue, Cabot Highlands features a terrifically fun short course, an Art-Deco inspired clubhouse, and luxurious select accommodations. Real estate options are also planned for future development.

Castle Stuart Links was designed by owner/developer, the late Mark Parisinen (of Kingsbarns fame) and one of the hottest golf architects in the world Gil Hanse. Castle Stuart Links gained recognition for its imaginative bunkers incorporating partial revetting into natural dunes.

Located only five miles from the international Inverness Airport, Cabot Highlands makes a wonderful start to an overall Scotland golf tour.

A perfect base from which to explore not only Scotland Highlands golf but the lively town of Inverness, with its gourmet local seafood, world-renowned whisky tasting and important historic sites like the Culloden Battlefield. Best of all, Cabot Highlands is a resort so weekend tee times are available.

Location

castle stuart

Discover the allure of Golf at Cabot Highlands

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, Cabot Highlands in Inverness is a destination where world-class golf meets timeless scenery. Here, the acclaimed Castle Stuart golf links is joined by an exciting new championship course, creating a stage that blends rugged Highland landscapes with visionary design. Rolling dunes, sweeping coastal views, and natural contours shaped by centuries of wind and sea come together to deliver golf in its purest form.

The courses offer everything discerning golfers seek: undulating fairways that hug the shoreline, strategic angles that demand smart decision-making, and greens that rise to reveal panoramic vistas across the Moray Firth. Castle Stuart golf remains a celebrated classic, renowned for its seamless integration of bunkering and dramatic sightlines, while the new Cabot Highlands golf course layout brings fresh character and challenge.

Castle Stuart clubhouse

The History of Cabot Highlands

Although Castle Stuart was originally built in 1625 by James Stuart, 1st Earl of Moray, the estate did not welcome golfers until 2009. Since then, Castle Stuart has rapidly earned a reputation as a modern Highland golf classic, drawing comparisons with legendary neighbors Royal Dornoch and Nairn. 

Its international breakthrough came when it hosted the European Tour’s Scottish Open on four occasions: 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016, welcoming some of the game’s greatest players. From Luke Donald’s commanding win in 2011 to Phil Mickelson’s dramatic playoff triumph in 2013, these moments cemented its reputation as a world-class championship venue.

In 2022, Cabot ushered in the next chapter with the acquisition of the estate and the commissioning of Tom Doak’s eagerly anticipated Old Petty course. Opening for preview play in 2025, it will stand alongside Castle Stuart to establish Cabot Highlands golf as one of Scotland’s most exciting and ambitious golf destinations.

Interesting Facts About Cabot Highlands Golf Course

Ness Walk Hotel

Best accommodation for golf at Cabot Highlands

For a luxury base while golfing in the Scottish Highlands, Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness is hard to beat. Set along the River Ness, this 5-star retreat combines elegance and warmth, with plush rooms, fine dining at Torrish Restaurant, and a cozy bar perfect for post-round drams. The staff excel at arranging tee times and transfers, making it an ideal hub for exploring nearby courses like Cabot Highlands.

“At Cabot Highlands, the key is to embrace the wind and play with the ground. This stunning Inverness links rewards strategy over strength. Shape your tee shots to ride the breeze, use the firm fairways for extra rollout, and avoid the deep revetted bunkers at all costs. Trust local knowledge, especially from a caddie, who can help you navigate hidden slopes and ever-changing winds.”
Tips from our expert, Euan Findlay
13th Hole at Royal Dornoch, Scotland

Take a Highlands Golf Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich history and mythology of the Scottish Highlands, while visiting some of the best golf courses in Scotland.

Including the third oldest Golf Club in the world, Royal Dornoch, championship links course, Brora and Nairn Golf Club, which has hosted a number of championships, including the Amateur Championship and the Walker  Cup.

8 nights 4* accommodation and 7 rounds of golf

Prices starting from $6,799

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Cabot Highlands FAQs

Yes, Premier Golf offers custom golf trips to the Highlands which includes tee times at Cabot Highlands.

Cabot Highlands includes Castle Stuart, plus a new Tom Doak course is due to open in 2024.

Yes, Premier Golf offers custom golf trips to the Highlands which includes tee times at Cabot Highlands.

No handicap is required to play at Cabot Highlands. However, Castle Stuart Golf Links reserves the right to inspect H/Cap certificates and recommend appropriate tees.

You can book a golf trip to The Cabot Highlands through Premier Golf. They offer custom golf trips to the Highlands which includes tee times at Cabot Highlands.