Opening date confirmed for new course at Cabot Highlands

An opening date for the much-anticipated second golf course at Cabot Highlands – previously known as Caste Stuart Golf Links – has been confirmed.

‘Old Petty’, designed by Tom Doak, will open for preview play on August 1, 2025.

Between then and September 30, 2025, golfers will be able to sample the new 18-hole track which has been designed to complement its renowned neighbour, four-time Scottish Open host venue Castle Stuart.

The new course will be open only to those who have an existing tee time at Castle Stuart, ensuring that golfers can “indulge in a true links experience”, enjoying both golf courses under the new Cabot Highlands umbrella.

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The grand opening of Old Petty will then take place in Spring 2026, with bookings to be announced in 2025.

“We are truly honoured to serve as stewards of this remarkable land and to carry forward the original vision for the property,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, co-founder and CEO of Cabot.

“Our goal is to create unforgettable memories in magical places, and there are few places in the world more awe-inspiring than the Scottish Highlands.”

“Old Petty, guided by the vision of Tom Doak, will be a remarkable addition to the Highlands’ golfing landscape. Its design will harmonise beautifully with the natural surroundings, truly elevating the land it occupies.”

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A second course at Cabot Highlands has been a long time in the pipeline.

Originally, it was to be designed by Arnold Palmer’s design firm and, taking its name from the man himself, was set to be the golf icon’s first-ever Scottish course.

Plans for the course were approved in June 2016 but hit the buffers following the seven-time major champion’s death months later.

The project remained on the back-burner until internationally renowned golf course operator and developer Cabot purchased the property for an undisclosed sum in 2022, adding what was then known as Castle Stuart to an illustrious group of courses including the award-winning Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Cabot Cirtus Farms in Florida, and Cabot Cliffs in Canada.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor