Cabot Highlands — Castle Stuart
Dalcross, Inverness IV2 7JL, United Kingdom
Castle Stuart is the established course at Cabot Highlands, beside the Moray Firth near Inverness. Its design by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse uses the shoreline and higher ground to create a sequence of changing perspectives. Independent specialist coverage recognises the broad playing spaces and the interest around the greens, supporting an architectural case that extends beyond the setting alone. The estate now has two courses, following the opening of Old Petty. This selection remains Castle Stuart, and neither the newer course's design nor its availability should be substituted into the entry. Castle Stuart was also named in the 2025 World Golf Awards world-course nominee field; nomination does not make it the category winner. For visitors, the operator's published policies are unusually clear. No handicap certificate is required, but the normal experience is a walking round. Buggies are reserved for medical exemptions, and caddies should be requested through reservations ahead of the visit. Ask about cancellation terms as well as the forecast: the operator states that rain alone does not qualify for a refund. These details make careful preparation more useful than simply reserving the first available date.