Castle Stuart, near Inverness, has been developed by Mark Parsinen, the American behind Kingsbarns. With the assistance of Gil Hanse, they have constructed a wonderful golf course on the Moray Firth, 10 minutes from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

The land was ready made for a golf course, save for wholesale clearing of thick gorse which left ready-made links fairways and green complexes that appear to have been there for a century. The fairways are already thick and well bedded in. 

The views over the Moray First and Black Isle are sublime and every hole has a vista the equal, and often exceeding Kingsbarns and Turnberry. For example, the famous 12th at Kingsbarns is closely (but inversely) replicated on the second at Castle Stuart, a sweeping par five around the bay. The 11th may be one of the prettiest short par 3 holes you will play anywhere.

Parsinen has used his knowledge in course development to allow tees of sufficient length that the ‘tee of the day’ can be set with the weather conditions in mind. The course stretches to over 7,000 yards, however the 6,400 we played (1 handicap, 5, and 5) was plenty for enjoyment and playability.

Careful planting of new-generation gorse in strategic places allows each hole to be individual with little outside influence from neighbouring holes. The course is an easy walking affair, with a rise on the par 5 12th being the only hole to make you lose your breath (apart from the views, of

course) although the sharp climb from 12th green to the 13th tee will test the fittest. A shuttle service will be available to ferry players up the rise, should they wish.

So why travel to Castle Stuart? More verbose writers than I would have difficulty in summing up the experiences that Castle Stuart brings. The views are superb, the course itself far exceeded my expectations and I have no doubt it will be spoken of in similar or even exceeding the reputation of its distant sibling at Kingsbarns. That’s not a bad assessment.

If you have been hesitant to plan a trip to Royal Dornoch in the past because of the distance you needed to travel, Castle Stuart now adds the incentive. In fact, it makes for the basis of a wonderful week’s golf in the Scottish Highlands. The selection is impressive.

Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Brora, Nairn (1999 Walker Cup venue), Cruden Bay, Royal Aberdeen and Murcar – comfortably rivals in quality similar itineraries to St Andrews or Ayrshire. And its proximity to Inverness airport allows simple air transport from flights connecting through London.

An impressive level of thought has gone into Castle Stuart. This will not be a stuffy, buttoned up golf course for the elite, but a course for golfers to play and enjoy in a relaxed and friendly environment while maintaining the highest of service standards and qualities. Like a Scottish Pine Valley, if I can be so bold.

You can take it from me, Castle Stuart is the real deal and if you are still hesitant, just wait for the other reviews.

John Cornish

January 2009 

More information on Castle Stuart Golf Links can be found on their website - www.castlestuartgolf.com