GreenlitBETA
Inverness, Scottish Highlands

Castle Stuart Golf Links

A modern masterpiece perched above the Moray Firth where every hole delivers championship drama and soul-stirring Highland views.

About the Course

Castle Stuart is a modern yet traditional-feeling Scottish links course set dramatically along the Moray Firth, where wide, sweeping fairways run atop coastal bluffs and greens appear to hang over the sea. Designed by Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen, it blends classic early-20th-century links aesthetics with contemporary playability, using the natural and rugged landscape, rumpled terrain, and striking "infinity-edge" greens to create both beauty and strategic challenge. A modern icon in Scotland's rich heritage of links golf, Castle Stuart has become internationally renowned since opening in 2009. Host of the European Tour's Scottish Open four times in the last eight years, its acclaimed design complements the spectacular location which is just a five-minute drive from Inverness Airport. The philosophy they had when building the course was a good one - it should be playable for the average golfer but reward the better one more. What truly sets Castle Stuart apart for a group getaway is the combination of world-class accommodations on-site, professional caddies who enhance both your game and entertainment, and a clubhouse with restaurant that commands panoramic views of the Firth—creating an experience that feels like an exclusive private club despite being open to daily-fee players.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • ✦Dramatic clifftop routing with 10 of 18 greens framed by sky or water backdrops, including signature infinity-edge greens at holes 7 and 17 that appear to drop off to the Moray Firth hundreds of feet below
  • ✦On-property luxury lodging—the Golf Lodge, Farmhouse, and Castle Cottage each accommodate groups of up to 8 golfers with en-suite bedrooms and views of the Art Deco clubhouse and Moray Firth
  • ✦Championship-caliber caddies available for hire (£70 per round) who are described as true professionals that enhance both gameplay and entertainment—ideal for groups wanting authentic Scottish links instruction
  • ✦Playable for all abilities with wide fairways and generous greens, yet demanding enough to have hosted the Scottish Open multiple times with champions including Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson, and Jeev Milkha Singh
  • ✦Just 5 minutes from Inverness Airport with nearby access to other world-class courses (Royal Dornoch, Nairn, Brora), making it the centerpiece of an unforgettable Highland golf journey
Courses on Property
⛳
Castle Stuart Golf Links18 holes · Par 72

Championship links course designed by Gil Hanse with infinity-edge greens, dramatic clifftop routing, and sweeping Moray Firth views.

⛳
Old Petty18 holes · Par

Newly designed Tom Doak course opened in 2026 featuring natural contours around the 400-year-old Castle with shoreline meanders and Highland vistas.

✦
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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$225–$295/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
<cite index="37-41,37-42,37-43,37-44">Inverness is one of the driest areas of Scotland with just under 900 mm of rain average per year. One of our favourite times of year is mid-May to mid-June. July and August in Inverness averages a temperature of 17°C and the coldest is January at 4°C. In early summer, the sun is often still shining at 10pm and it hardly gets dark at all.</cite> <cite index="2-1,2-2">The course is open from the end of March through to mid November. It's £225 a round in April and November rising to £295 from May to October (in 2024).</cite>
LinksOcean ViewsBucket ListWalking OnlyCaddies AvailableResortChampionshipMajor VenueHistoricHidden Gem
Stay on Property
<cite index="21-1,21-2">The Golf Lodge offers superior accommodation with for up to 8 golfers and is located overlooking the 18th green at Castle Stuart Golf Links. This property includes complimentary WiFi and Sky television and is available on a nightly basis for those playing at least one round of golf at Castle Stuart.</cite> <cite index="21-7,21-8">The newly renovated Farmhouse & Castle Cottage each offer comfortable accommodation for up to 8 golfers and both are conveniently located near the Clubhouse. Relax and enjoy the comforts of the lounge-dining-kitchen 'Great Room' while soaking in panoramic views of Castle Stuart's Art Deco clubhouse and the Moray Firth beyond.</cite>

<cite index="21-1,21-2">The Golf Lodge offers superior accommodation with for up to 8 golfers and is located overlooking the 18th green at Castle Stuart Golf Links. This property includes complimentary WiFi and Sky television and is available on a nightly basis for those playing at least one round of golf at Castle Stuart.</cite> <cite index="21-7,21-8">The newly renovated Farmhouse & Castle Cottage each offer comfortable accommodation for up to 8 golfers and both are conveniently located near the Clubhouse. Relax and enjoy the comforts of the lounge-dining-kitchen 'Great Room' while soaking in panoramic views of Castle Stuart's Art Deco clubhouse and the Moray Firth beyond.</cite>

Nearby Lodging