Castle Stuart Golf Links
Castle Stuart Golf Links | Highlands
Perched above the Moray Firth near Inverness, Castle Stuart Golf Links is one of Scotland’s modern masterpieces and a cornerstone of Highland golf itineraries. Though opened in 2009, it feels timeless, blending into the landscape with rumpled fairways, infinity-edged greens, and panoramic sea views that rival any in the world. The course embraces Alister MacKenzie’s philosophy that great golf should be both beautiful and enjoyable—challenging the best players while remaining accessible to all.
Castle Stuart rose to global prominence as a multi-time host of the Scottish Open, most memorably in 2013 when Phil Mickelson captured victory here before winning The Open at Muirfield. Its design encourages creativity, with wide fairways and multiple angles of play, rewarding strategic thinking as much as execution. Signature holes hug the shoreline, framed by the historic Castle Stuart and sweeping Highland scenery.
Beyond the golf, Castle Stuart has evolved into a luxury resort destination. With elegant golf cottages on-site and the restored castle as its namesake, it offers an immersive stay-and-play experience in the Highlands. Cypress & Salt curates itineraries that pair Castle Stuart with Royal Dornoch and Nairn, along with whisky distillery tours, fine dining, and bespoke event planning for groups and corporate retreats.
Course Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,009 yards (Championship tees)
Course Rating: 74.2
Slope Rating: 139
Designer: Gil Hanse & Mark Parsinen (2009)
Type: Modern seaside links with traditional design philosophy
Signature Holes:
2nd: Stunning par 5 sweeping along the Moray Firth with an infinity green perched above the shoreline.
9th: Dramatic par 5 playing uphill toward Castle Stuart itself, blending history with spectacle.
11th: Short but strategic par 3 with a tabletop green and panoramic coastal views.
Championships:
Scottish Open: Host venue (2011, 2012, 2013, 2016).
Widely recognized as a candidate for future elite events due to design and resort facilities.
Season / Best Months to Play
Overall, Scotland is a year-round golf destination, but conditions vary dramatically:
May – September: Peak conditions with firm fairways and long daylight hours.
June – August: Warmest weather and the Moray Firth at its most picturesque.
September: Still mild, with softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for combining golf with Highland exploration.
