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Want to know more about Cabot Highlands?
Cabot Highlands (Castle Stuart Golf Club) is a world-renowned golf course located in the Scottish Highlands. It is a relatively new course, having opened in 2009, but has already established itself as one of the best links courses in Scotland.
The course was designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, who are both highly respected architects in the golf world. They have created a course that is challenging, but also beautiful and enjoyable to play.
One of the unique features of Castle Stuart is that it is situated on a cliff overlooking the Moray Firth. This not only provides stunning views, but it also means that the course is exposed to the elements, making it a true test of golfing ability.
The course itself is a par 72 and measures just over 7,000 yards from the back tees. It features a mixture of links and inland holes, with the majority of the holes running alongside the coastline.
The opening hole is a great introduction to the course, with a narrow fairway and a green that slopes severely from back to front. The third hole is a short par 4 that requires a precise tee shot to avoid the deep bunkers that guard the green.
The standout hole on the front nine is the fifth, which is a long par 3 that plays directly towards the Moray Firth. The green is surrounded by deep bunkers, and the wind can make club selection tricky.
The back nine at Castle Stuart is equally impressive, with the 12th being a particularly memorable hole. This par 5 requires a precise tee shot to avoid the bunkers that guard the fairway, followed by a long second shot to reach the green that is perched on a plateau overlooking the coastline.
The course at Castle Stuart is not the only attraction, as the clubhouse and facilities are equally impressive. The clubhouse is modern and stylish, with stunning views of the course and the Moray Firth. The pro shop is well-stocked with a range of golfing equipment and merchandise, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Overall, Castle Stuart Golf Club is a must-play course for any avid golfer visiting Scotland. It offers a unique and challenging golfing experience, combined with stunning views and world-class facilities. It is no surprise that the course has hosted several high-profile events, including the Scottish Open, and is a firm favorite among golfers from all over the world.
A sample Itinerary for a 7 day trip to Scotland
Here's a sample 7 day itinerary for a golf trip to Scotland - hopefully provides a basis for you to add in your own ideas
Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh
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Arrive in Edinburgh and check in to your hotel
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Spend the afternoon exploring the city and its many historical sites, such as Edinburgh Castle,the Royal Mile and Arthurs Seat. The St James Quarter and George street are the heart of the shopping district
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In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and sample some traditional Scottish cuisine (The Witchery beside the castle is a great place to start)
Day 2: Play St Andrews Links
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After breakfast, head to St Andrews and play a round at the Old Course, one of the oldest and most famous courses in the world. You will need to be lucky with the Ballot
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After golf, explore the charming town of St Andrews and its many shops and restaurants - the 18th green is right in the centre of town. One of the great places to see golfers wandering the streets with clubs on their back
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Return to Edinburgh in the evening and have dinner at a local pub
Day 3: Play Muirfield
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After breakfast, drive to Gullane and play a round at Muirfield, one of the most exclusive and prestigious courses in Scotland
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After golf, enjoy lunch at the clubhouse and take in the stunning views of the Firth of Forth
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In the afternoon, explore the nearby towns of North Berwick and Dunbar or sneak in a second round at Gullane or North Berwick before returning to Edinburgh for dinner
Day 4: Play Royal Dornoch
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After breakfast, drive to Inverness and drive to Royal Dornoch, located on the stunning coast of the Scottish Highlands. Allow 4 hours travel time from Edinburgh
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Play a round at Royal Dornoch, one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in Scotland
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After golf, explore the charming town of Dornoch and its many shops and restaurants
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Return to Inverness in the evening and have dinner at a local restaurant
Day 5: Play Castle Stuart
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After breakfast, drive to Castle Stuart and play a round at this stunning links course overlooking the Moray Firth
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After golf, enjoy lunch at the clubhouse and take in the breathtaking views
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In the afternoon, explore the nearby town of Inverness and its many attractions, such as the Inverness Castle and the Loch Ness Monster exhibition
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Return to Inverness in the evening and have dinner at a local restaurant
Day 6: Play Carnoustie
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After breakfast, drive to Carnoustie and play a round at this challenging and historic links course
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After golf, enjoy lunch at the clubhouse and explore the nearby town of Carnoustie
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In the afternoon, drive to Dundee and explore the city's many attractions, such as the V&A Dundee museum and the Dundee Contemporary Arts center
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Return to Edinburgh in the evening and have dinner at a local restaurant
Day 7: Departure
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After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Edinburgh airport for your flight home.
One of the most cost effective ways to play golf in Scotland is by entering an ‘Open’. One day or multi day events, singles, pairs or team events are all common and offer great golf on landmark courses for a fraction of the usual price.
A good location to find out which ones are available is the Golf Empire Website - (https://www.golfempire.co.uk/).
They offer the added benefit of meeting lots of local golfers, getting a better sense of the local area and a chance to win some prizes if you play well.
As an example of some of the tournaments at bigger courses:
Royal Dornoch – One round Open from £72 or the Carnegie Shield (1 week open) for £220 - https://www.golfgenius.com/ggid/zdrpmq/customerdirectory/9090648437145249212
Cruden Bay – full range of events for reduced green fees - https://crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk/visitors/open-golf-events/
Royal Aberdeen – small number of events for reduced green fees -http://www.royalaberdeengolf.com/page.aspx?pid=9990
The price differences are substantial and a great option for golfers to access courses at a more affordable price.
Interested in a bit of competitive golf while in
Scotland
Interested in a last minute deal
The main courses in Scotland aren’t renowned for offering significant discounts but it is always worth having a look at websites such as Golf Now (https://www.golfnow.co.uk/) for any last minute deals.
You are more likely to get a deal on one of the less known hidden gems around the country than the better known Top 50 courses but it is worth a try and, something that is well known among Scottish golfers, is thatan guarantee that some of the lesser known courses can be as good if not better