The links at Castle Stuart has been a superb addition to golf in the Highlands, and it only continues to improve and get better as the years progress. Opened in 2009, this traditional links offers the golfer some stunning vistas across the Moray Firth towards the Black Isle, Kessock Bridge, and the Chanonry Lighthouse. There is a wild and rugged beauty about Castle Stuart that has been embraced by designers Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen. A natural step in the landscape has been utilized to the fullest, as has the drama of the coastline. Acutely aware of the challenges of the modern game, Hanse and Parsinen created a golf course to be played, and enjoyed, by golfers of all abilities. The fairways are generous, some over 90yards wide in places with natural run-off’s applied where others would incorporate bunkers allowing the higher handicapper the ability to recover. Typifying the balance that has been achieved at Castle Stuart, the course has been chosen on four different occasions to host the Scottish Open, from 2011 – 2013 and again in 2016.
The course is designed to maximize the natural environment. The designers have purposely created several “infinity edges” to the course, where the hole or putting surface rests on the horizon and is beautifully framed by the landscape in the distance. The course is not heavily bunkered, and those that are in play are lightly revetted to give purpose to the hole but are designed in a way that does not overtly punish the higher handicapper.
The opening four holes at the Castle Stuart Golf Links set the tone for an enjoyable day of golf. The first hole is one of the sternest challenges on the golf course and gives you your first look at the Moray Firth. Descending to the first from the clubhouse, you reach a tee box perched amongst the dunes, and the fairway almost seems to narrow the longer you look at it. Several bunkers are perfectly placed down the left side to both push you right towards a series of hills and to make club selection a real dilemma — a great opening hole.
The second is no less fun, nor challenge. This 550yard par five hole is the Pro’s favorite on the course. The fairway (unusually for Castle Stuart) narrows at around 200yards off the tee and demands a straight shot to avoid the tall dunes left and right. From there, a series of slopes and undulations need to be negotiated with your second shot to ensure that you are on the right side of the hole for your approach to a very well-guarded green that stretches to 60yards in length. Trouble is everywhere on the 2nd, but it is great fun trying to avoid it. The short driveable par four 3rd hole is one you must take on. At 266yards from the medal tees its reachable to all and adds to the interest in the first couple of holes. Next, you reach the signature par three 4th hole, that is framed beautifully by ‘Castle Stuart,’ the spire of which gave the club its logo and name. Don’t get too distracted by the view, however. This 191yards hole played uphill can be very deceptive and under clubbing is all too frequent.
A beautiful art deco designed clubhouse, fabulous range and putting green and superb service add to the Castle Stuart experience and in recent times, accommodation has been added to the offering with a series of comfortable lodges built not far from the clubhouse. A second course, designed by the late Arnold Palmer is soon to be opened. One not to be missed when planning a golf vacation to Scotland. In fact, if you are interested in playing Castle Stuart then why not take a look at our Scottish Highland Fling Golf Tour for some ideas.
