Old Petty course opens at Cabot Highlands, immediately ranking within Scotland’s top 20 golf courses

Old Petty course opens at Cabot Highlands, immediately ranking within Scotland’s top 20 golf courses

The Cabot Old Petty course has opened. Image courtesy of Kane Partners by John Paul.The Cabot Old Petty course has opened. Image courtesy of Kane Partners by John Paul.The Cabot Old Petty course has opened. Image courtesy of Kane Partners by John Paul.

The new Old Petty course has officially opened at Cabot Highlands.

The course, designed by world-renowned architect Tom Doak has gone straight into Scotland’s Top 20 golf courses in the latest rankings at number 20, with Cabot’s neighouring Castle Stuart course retaining its place at number 9 in the rankings.

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The design of the course aims promote strategic and creative links golf with the layout incorporating Highland landmarks including Castle Stuart and Auld Petty Church, and weaving through natural terrain beside the Moray Firth.

Distinctive features of the course include dramatic coastal views and an unusual layout whet the 1st and 8th holes criss-cross, which is a rare design element in modern golf architecture.

Northern lights visible above Cabot Highlands. Image courtesy of Kane PartnersNorthern lights visible above Cabot Highlands. Image courtesy of Kane PartnersNorthern lights visible above Cabot Highlands. Image courtesy of Kane Partners

The addition of Old Petty alongside Castle Stuart marks another milestone for Cabot Highlands and golf tourism across the Highlands, with Old Petty already attracting significant international attention from golfers, media and industry experts.

Speaking last year, Cabot Highlands general manager Mark Wright said he believes Old Cabot will also be a welcome boost not just for them, but for tourism in Inverness and the Highlands.

He said: “When people come to the Highlands, yes Castle Stuart has a big draw, but there is also a big amount of incredible golf courses in this area such as Nairn, Royal Dornoch, Brora and Tain. People will always come to this area for a number of days and want to play these courses.

“We want them to come and play Castle Stuart and Old Petty, but potentially use this as their base to travel around the Highlands.

“Cabot’s mentality is this is a real long term investment, we are building a golf course for the next 200 years”

Cabot Highlands currently sells between 20,000 to 25,000 rounds every year at its existing course at Castle Stuart Golf Links.

With Old Petty now in operation, the number of rounds on site is expected to head towards 50,000 annually.

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