25 Castle Stuart

25 Castle Stuart

Architect: Parsinen, Hanse Stats: 6,553 yds, par 72, SSS 72 GF: £125-£150 Visitor information: Visitor only, no members. No restrictions on tees W: castlestuartgolf.com 2008 Ranking: New Entry Improvements since 2008 Rankings: Course: New, opened July 2009 Clubhouse: New, opened July 2009

Castle Stuart, which opened just last summer, has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the country's very finest courses. Generous fairways flow across undulating terrain to superb yet demanding green complexes, which form the course's major defences on windless days. Some holes cling precariously to the edge of the water while others are elevated, providing captivating views up the Moray Firth and the mountains beyond. The bunkering, mounds and wispy grasses on the Firth-side holes give them a dramatic Whistling Straits look and feel.

Panellists' comments: "Amazing scenery"; "A truly tremendous addition to the UK's golfing scene"; "Wonderful clubhouse"

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