Castle Stuart Golf Links opened in 2009 with a mission to create an accessible and scenic course that would attract golfers from around the globe to the Scottish Highlands. Designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, it quickly garnered acclaim for its unique approach to links golf. Instead of focusing solely on difficulty, Castle Stuart combined playability with the Highlands' natural beauty. Views of the Moray Firth and the historic Castle Stuart provided a breathtaking backdrop, while the course layout featured wide fairways and challenging bunkers designed to offer a modern take on traditional links golf.
Castle Stuart soon became a premier golf destination, hosting the Scottish Open multiple times and gaining recognition as one of Scotland’s top courses. Parsinen, who had previously co-founded the acclaimed Kingsbarns course, envisioned Castle Stuart as a course that encouraged creativity, shot variety, and a deeper appreciation for the landscape
In 2022, the famed Canadian developer Cabot, known for its premier courses Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia, acquired Castle Stuart. Rebranding it as Cabot Highlands, Cabot aimed to preserve the legacy of Castle Stuart while bringing new energy and investment into the property. The rebranding reflects Cabot’s commitment to creating luxurious, community-driven golf experiences that are in harmony with their natural surroundings. Plans were made to enhance the clubhouse, expand amenities, and continue the legacy of offering a world-class golfing experience.
The transition to Cabot Highlands marks not just a name change but a step toward creating a unique golfing resort in the Highlands. Plans for an upgraded clubhouse include a whiskey and cigar bar, a grill overlooking the fairways, and a chophouse, offering a refined yet distinctly Scottish experience
The Old Petty Course, designed by famed golf architect Tom Doak, is set to open for preview play in 2025. Named after the historic Old Petty Church, which dates back to 1839 and sits near the 16th green, this new course is as much a celebration of local heritage as it is an addition to the golfing world. The course is crafted to showcase the unique Highland scenery, with fairways that meander through former farmland and offer panoramic views of the Moray Firth.
Old Petty promises a dynamic layout that challenges golfers of all levels while staying true to the links style. Its logo, featuring a Highland cow—or “Hairy Coo,” as locals affectionately call it—symbolizes the connection between the course and the region’s landscape and culture. True to Doak's design philosophy, Old Petty will integrate natural topography to create a course that feels like an extension of the Highlands rather than an imposition on it
The transformation of Castle Stuart into Cabot Highlands, coupled with the addition of Old Petty, signals a significant shift in the Highlands’ golf offerings. Where Castle Stuart once stood as a single exceptional course, Cabot Highlands now has the potential to become a world-class golf resort, comparable to Cabot’s other properties. By expanding amenities and adding a new course, Cabot Highlands offers both returning and new visitors a more diverse golfing experience that combines world-class design with Scottish tradition.
This development also speaks to a broader trend of luxury golf resorts in remote, beautiful locations that cater to both serious golfers and those looking for a complete travel experience. The Highlands, with its breathtaking views and cultural richness, is poised to attract golfers seeking more than just a round of golf—they’ll be drawn to the history, the landscape, and the sense of place that Cabot Highlands embodies.
