Arnold Palmer to build first Scottish course

• Arnold Palmer Group to build second course at Castle Stuart
• “I have a strong affection for Scotland,” said the 85-year-old
• Construction to begin early next year – Scheduled to open in 2019

Arnold Palmer is set to build his first golf course in Scotland at Castle Stuart GC near Inverness – two days after Donald Trump reignited his plans for a second course at Trump International.

Plans for a spectacular new 18-hole links course on the Moray Firth are to be submitted within two months. Work on its construction would be likely to begin early next year with a scheduled opening in 2019.

The Arnold Palmer Group’s partnership with Castle Stuart was revealed at this week’s PGA Tour event at Bay Hill and the 85-year-old, who had also spoke about his Scholarship to Scotland programme with the University of St Andrews, said he was pleased with the developments.

“I am looking forward to my visit to Castle Stuart in a few months’ time” – Arnold Palmer

“I have had a strong affection for Scotland since I first went there in 1960 to play in the Open at St Andrews. I have returned many times since, including a memorable victory in the Open Championship at Troon in 1962,” Arnold Palmer said.

“The opportunity to build an iconic golf course in Scotland would be the culmination of all these great experiences. I am looking forward to my visit to Castle Stuart in a few months’ time.”

Discussions on the project have been ongoing for a while and Mark Parsinen, who helped to design the first course, revealed his delight at the partnership.

He said: “We have been in discussion for more than a year now with the Arnold Palmer Group and we are delighted that it has joined the partnership at Castle Stuart Golf Links.

“We are working with his design team on the routing of the new course with a view to beginning construction this time next year.”

Castle Stuart has achieved worldwide acclaim since opening six years ago, hosting the Scottish Open from 2011-13 and placing No.56 in Golf Magazine’s top 100 courses in the world in 2013.

The news on the development comes two days after Trump International announced it was reigniting its plans for a second golf course at Menie Estate. Progress on that front had previously been halted following a long-running legal battle over the proposed building of a wind-testing centre off the Aberdeenshire coast.

Arnold Palmer to build first Scottish course :: Your thoughts

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