Scotland, a country rich in history when it comes to golf course design, has seen only a few new courses pop up over recent years that can match and rival those built centuries earlier. Dumbarnie Golf Links (2020) Kingsbarns (2000) and Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen ( 2012) are three that have managed to supersede expectations. But in all honesty Castle Stuart (2008) is ranked as high as any course in Scotland (Currently 9th best in Scotland)
Designers Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen have enhanced and built on a magical piece of land and carved in a golf course that will stand the test of time and is a true testament to modern-day golf course architecture.
Castle Stuart's task was to add to the rich fabric of golf in the Scottish Highlands and perfectly do so.
As a credit to how good the golf course is Castle Stuart has held the Scottish Open four times in such a short period and has seen winners in Luke Donald, Jeev Milkha Singh, Phil Mickelson, and Alexander Noren.
There isn't a weak hole on the course with each hole boasting a welcoming design full of strategic play without punishing well-placed golf shots.
The signature hole of the golf course is the 4th. A par 3 at a little under 200 yards from the championship tees. You will see a crystal clear view of the golf courses namesake the famed Castle Stuart behind the green. The Green is tucked into a hill where anything that flies's left should be safe and still in play, Miss right and the huge drop off will kick everything to the right and down the hill out of play. The hole plays slightly uphill, so make sure you take enough club, and a draw for the right-handed golfer will be sensible. The green is pretty easy to read so if found take in a good view of the hole and the castle, line up that putt and make birdie.
Castle Stuart is a course full of variety and good design. The Layout provides everything from Pitching wedge length to 200+ par 3s, driveable and demanding par 4s, and reachable and three-shot par 5s.
