The Rise of Scotland’s Golf Highlands: A New Era for Luxury Golf Travel
Northern Scotland is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for discerning golfers, and Cabot Highlands is leading the charge. The addition of Old Petty, designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, to the existing Castle Stuart Golf Links has transformed the region into a must-visit location for enthusiasts seeking world-class experiences.
Cabot Highlands: More Than Just Two Courses
Cabot’s acquisition of Castle Stuart in 2022 signaled a clear intent: to create a luxury golf destination rivaling those found in North America and the Caribbean. The property, spanning 420 acres, now boasts two distinctly different 18-hole courses. Castle Stuart, a Gil Hanse design, has already earned accolades, consistently appearing on top-100 course lists and hosting four Scottish Opens, including a win by Phil Mickelson before his 2013 British Open victory. Old Petty, however, offers a contrasting experience.
The appeal lies in the diversity. Whereas Castle Stuart is well-established and celebrated, Old Petty provides a fresh challenge and a different aesthetic. This “one-two punch” as Sports Illustrated described it, elevates Cabot Highlands beyond a single standout course to a complete destination.
Tom Doak’s Influence and the Future of Course Design
Tom Doak’s involvement is pivotal. His creation, Old Petty, opened for preview play in August 2025 and is designed to feel as though it has existed for centuries, blending seamlessly with the landscape. Doak’s approach emphasizes a natural look and challenging layouts, a trend increasingly favored by golfers seeking authentic experiences.
This focus on natural integration and strategic design represents a shift in golf course architecture. Modern golfers are less interested in purely punishing courses and more drawn to layouts that reward thoughtful play and offer a variety of challenges. Doak’s work at Cabot Highlands exemplifies this trend.
The Economic Impact of Golf Tourism in the Scottish Highlands
The investment in Cabot Highlands isn’t just about golf. it’s about boosting the local economy. The resort is attracting a new wave of high-spending tourists to the Inverness area, supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities. Cabot’s expansion – from Nova Scotia to the Caribbean, France, Florida, and now Scotland – demonstrates a broader pattern of investment in golf tourism in previously under-developed regions.
This model of destination golf resorts is proving successful, offering a compelling alternative to traditional golf hotspots. The Scottish Highlands, with its dramatic scenery and rich history, provides a particularly attractive backdrop for this type of development.
What’s Next for Cabot and Scottish Golf?
Cabot’s success in Scotland is likely to spur further investment in the region. The company’s strategy of acquiring existing properties and adding complementary courses is a blueprint for future development. Expect to see other areas of Scotland, and potentially other parts of the UK, attracting similar investment.
The focus will remain on creating high-conclude experiences that appeal to discerning golfers. This includes not only exceptional golf courses but similarly luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and opportunities to explore the local culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who designed Old Petty?
- Tom Doak designed Old Petty.
- When did Old Petty open for preview play?
- Old Petty opened for preview play in August 2025.
- Who designed Castle Stuart?
- Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen designed Castle Stuart.
- When did Cabot acquire Castle Stuart?
- Cabot acquired Castle Stuart in 2022.
Pro Tip: Book tee times well in advance, especially during peak season, as Cabot Highlands is quickly becoming a highly sought-after destination.
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