Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart Golf Links Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart Golf Links Key Information

This beauty of a modern links on the Moray Firth created by the late Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, has been a firm fixture in the top-30 of our Top 100 golf courses UK&I since first making its entry in our 2011/12 edition.

The early holes on both nines play in different directions along a lower shelf right beside the Firth, with the water highly adjacent on the right heading out, and the back nine then playing away from the clubhouse and vast putting green in the opposite direction with the Firth in play for a hook.

The course is laid out over two levels with the later holes on both nines climbing to a plateau set above the Firth, where cracking views across to the Black Isle threaten to distract you from the task in hand at almost every turn.

Thankfully, generous fairways allow room to manoeuvre off the tee on many holes, with considerable additional thought often then required on the approach, where a variety of potential pitfalls await miscues both major and minor.

The green complexes are simply magnificent, with bunkers and run-offs waiting to catch errant balls, and a number of the greens themselves capable of perplexing the most able of putters at times should they stray out of position.

It is the splendour of the views, coupled with its playability off the tee, that would have me rate Castle Stuart among the very best modern courses in the UK. There’s much less scope for your enjoyment to be compromised by a disappointing – and expensive - lost ball count.

Among a host of good holes, the short risk-reward par-4 3rd stands out for its sheer ingenuity, not to mention beauty. I just love it.

It’s eminently reachable in the right wind, but with the Firth awaiting a cut or block, the tendency is to end up on the left if you go for it. From here it will sometimes be tricky to salvage even par, let alone the birdie you were eyeing up on the tee.

The well-executed shot is suitably rewarded, while the poor shot could leave you scratching your head. Isn’t that the way golf should be?

The clubhouse offers tremendous views and excellent food and drink. Take a moment to test your skills on the enormous putting green - Great fun.

What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…

Cathal Devlin

There are no weak holes and certainly a few standouts. The downhill par-4 3rd begs you to take out the big stick when the wiser choice may well be to leave yourself a full shot in. The routing is phenomenal and takes you around the property in an entertaining and concise way. The fine line between playable and challenging has been absolutely found.

A course and place that is geared towards the visitor experience and they’re ticking all the right boxes.

Tim Gorman

Somewhat generous fairways from the tees. Bunkering well placed and not over-done. Mostly gentle changes in elevation. Large patches of blooming gorse. Almost all green aprons have severe run-offs.

Greens rumpled. Clear intent to get golfers moving forwards from the tee and set the challenge for the approach shot to the green and tricky putting.

Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart Golf Links Location

Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart Golf Links Scorecard

Best Courses Near to Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart Golf Links

NAIRN

Nairn delivers typical Scottish links golf. It’s an out-and-back layout with the sea visible on every hole. Recent improvements by Tom Mackenzie have greatly enhanced the offering.

During the summer months the fairways are fast-running and covered in humps and hollows. The greens are famously true and can become perplexingly pacey.

ROYAL DORNOCH

The philanthropist and industrialist Andrew Carnegie said of his home in Dornoch, “If there is heaven on earth, it is here.” It is a captivating place that will leave an indelible imprint on the memory.

It’s a beautiful setting and an equally attractive golf course, the holes blend so naturally with the surroundings it would be hard to believe it has not existed since time began.

Best Places to Stay Near Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart Golf Links

Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness - Book now at Booking.com
Set in four acres of beautiful gardens, the Kingsmill Hotel has a spa, a swimming pool and free parking. Inverness city centre is just one mile away and Castle Stuart is just a 15 minute drive. Guests have full use of the leisure club, with a sauna, steam room, spa bath and gym.

Culloden House Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
An elegant Georgian, country house hotel. There are 28 bedrooms, lavishly furnished and individually styled. There's great food and dining and the hotel is just a short drive from Cabot Highlands.

Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart Golf Links Gallery

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Cabot Highlands Castle Stuart Golf Links Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2025/26 - 22
• 2023/24 - 20
• 2021/22 - 21
• 2019/20 - 19
• 2017/18 - 21
• 2015/16 - 23
• 2013/14 - 25
• 2011/12 - 25

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