Castle Stuart Golf Links is still the new kid on the block, yet it has quickly become a “must-play” for anyone visiting The Highlands on a golf trip to Scotland. This can be attributed to a variety of things, not the least of which is the time in the spotlight hosting the Scottish Open.
Whether you have a tee time at Castle Stuart already on the books, or are simply considering it for an upcoming trip, here are 7 things that shouldn’t be missed at this modern classic.
Update: In 2022, Castle Stuart joined the Cabot family of golf properties. As part of the development, a 2nd course, designed by architect Tom Doak, will open in 2024. The property is now known as Cabot Highlands, while the original course retains the Castle Stuart Golf Links name.
The Ethos
From the outset, Castle Stuart embraced a brand of golf that runs contrary to what some have come to expect from the game’s “championship” courses. The philosophy is constantly apparent throughout the round at Castle Stuart and is captured in this 45-minute documentary on the course’s creation. It’s this soundbite, however, that perhaps says it best…
Playability, recoverability, intrigue, and visual drama are the heartbeat of the game – a game that is less about perfection or punishment than it is about the search for those fleeting moments of perfection while savouring recoveries and redemption more so than fearing and enduring failure.
The 3rd Hole
A member of Major Haversham’s Fab Fours on Three, the 3rd at Castle Stuart is the ultimate risk-reward proposition. This short par-4 offers an enticing opportunity to improve the card, yet those who fail to execute off the tee can just as easily find bogey or worse. The long and slender green is protected by a sea of rumpled turf that makes getting up and down particularly problematic. But regardless of what the card says when all is said and done, the view of the infinity green with the Firth as backdrop is by itself worth the cost of admission.
Credit: Cabot Highlands
The Views
One of the defining characteristics of a round at Castle Stuart is the abundance of inspiring views from almost every hole. The sea is a dominant feature, and many of the local landmarks are framed by the holes themselves. The 16th, seen below, is a perfect example, with the spires of the Kessock Bridge serving as backdrop to the approach shot. As difficult as it may be, the golfer who mentally avoids these distractions is likely the one to fare the best on the scorecard.
Credit: Cabot Highlands
The Clubhouse
Castle Stuart’s art deco clubhouse has quickly become one of the most recognizable in golf. Every detail, from the building’s design to the color of the furniture, was painstakingly considered to ensure the final product took full advantage of Castle Stuart’s greatest asset: the incredible panorama view. Be sure to step outside onto the terrace that wraps around the gentlemen’s locker room to enjoy it in all its glory.
The 4th Hole
The course’s namesake dates to the early 1600’s and stands majestically behind the 4th green; its spire serving as the inspiration for Castle Stuart’s logo. From the tee of this par-3, the eye is naturally drawn to the green and the castle beyond; a Kodak moment if there ever was one. And yet, what appears to be a natural valley leading to the target is anything but.. The center of a large dune between the tee and green was dug out to create the “framed composition” that seems to point the way.
Credit: Cabot Highlands
The Turn
After putting out on the 9th green, where coming up short is ill-advised, stop for a beverage and snack at one of the best halfway houses in golf. From there, the round at Castle Stuart continues in dramatic fashion. The 10th is a stern par-4 pressed hard against the water’s edge. Take note of the stones along the shore which provide the course with its tee markers. Ahead at the 11th, you’ll find everything that’s great about a short par-3. It’s the incredible views, however, that earn the duo a spot on this list. The sweeping panorama from the Kessock Bridge over to the Chanonry Point Lighthouse and Fort George is nothing short of spectacular.
Credit: Cabot Highlands
The Hospitality
As remarkable as both the clubhouse and golf course may be, Castle Stuart would never have been elevated to “must-play” status in such a short period of time were it not for the people. From the welcome at the bag drop, to the Starter’s greeting, to the caddies who are among the best in the business, the hospitality found at Castle Stuart and Cabot Highlands is second to none.
For more insight on Castle Stuart, tune-in to this conversation with Jeremy Matte, Director of Golf, on a recent episode of On the Tee with H&B.
For more insight on planning your overseas golf trip, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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