Castle Stuart Golf Links is a modern yet traditional Scottish links course where wide fairways, rugged coastal terrain, and dramatic greens define the experience. It blends classic links character with refined playability, creating a strategic challenge for those who play. The course is thoughtfully crafted, bringing together ocean views, varied holes, and one of the most scenic finishes in Scotland.
Castle Stuart 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.
Castle Stuart’s international breakthrough came when it hosted the European Tour’s Scottish Open on four occasions, 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.
When the event was hosted at Castle Stuart, players described the course as an ideal introduction to links golf, making it a favored spot to play prior to The Open Championship. Mickelson himself has praised the course as one of the finest he has played, noting its value for sharpening the short game ahead of golf’s oldest championship.
Few courses in the Highlands leave as immediate an impression as Castle Stuart. With panoramic views of the Moray Firth, wide fairways that invite creative play, and bold greens on the coast, it offers a golfing experience equally beautiful and engaging. Its convenient location to Inverness and its legacy as former host of the Scottish Open further elevate the appeal.
The experience at Castle Stuart extends well beyond the scorecard. Each hole is laid out with intention, where the landscape dictates play, and the coastal views are never far from sight. Subtle elevation changes and a routing that builds toward a memorable finish give the course both rhythm and character, reinforcing its place as a modern classic and a must-visit.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and mythology of the Scottish Highlands, while visiting some of the best golf courses in Scotland. The Highlands are known for their breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, including Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. So it’s no surprise that Scottish Highlands Golf – set amongst such a stunning backdrop – offers some of the most spectacular courses in the world.
The golfing was also excellent. Royal Dornoch did not disappoint. Loved it. Some debate in our group which was better between Royal Aberdeen and Trump International. Obviously completely different for so many reasons but both highly recommended. Castle Stuart was also fantastic and Cruden Bay a very fun course with maybe the best view from the top of one of the tee boxes.
Golspie was a filler for us. You get a real feel for a local course which was great to see. The course has some amazing holes (maybe the hardest hole of any of the courses we played) but really a combination of three different styles in one. Obviously not at the standard of any of the other courses but that was not expected and is an unfair comparison. So for us glad we did it and would not hesitate to recommend but more like in the way that we did…not a main event but where it fits in to fill out an itinerary.
We had incredibly good weather, with only light rain lasting perhaps 15 minutes during our trip. The trip to Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Brora, and Nairn was really superb. Royal Dornoch was the toughest course we played, with high winds that day. Nairn was incredibly tight, but enjoyable. Castle Stuart was more wide open, and the caddies there did a fine job. Brora was the one course we played off the beaten path. Brora featured sheep and cattle on the course. We enjoyed a husband-wife caddies there who kept us entertained.
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As experts in creating exceptional golf experiences, Premier Golf will secure your tee time and accommodations while managing your transportation details.
Golf carts are not generally permitted, as the course is designed for walking, offering a more traditional golf experience that allows players to fully connect with the natural landscape.
A limited number of carts are available for guests with a valid medical certificate. These must be requested in advance and are subject to availability.
The Highlands offer long daylight hours and peak course conditions from late spring through early fall, with May through September being the most popular window.
The most famous hole at Castle Stuart Golf Links is the 18th, a stunning finish that runs along the Moray Firth with panoramic coastal views. Its approach plays toward a green set below the clubhouse. The combination of scenery and risk-reward design makes it one of the most memorable closers in Scottish golf.
