Cabot Highlands Old Petty Course Review

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Cabot Highlands Old Petty Course Review

When Cabot Highlands opened their second golf course for preview play late this summer, it had been a long time coming.

While Tom Doak is credited with the design, much of the credit should go to his lead associate Clyde Johnson. The golf course routing weaves past elements of the landscape that help give this shinny, brand new golf course a sense of identity.

First, the stone dykes (walls) that line a single track road between 2nd green and 3rd tee and onto the perimeter of St Columba's Church and Old Petty graveyard, located discretely between both golf courses.

Soon after again when stood on the 3rd hole staring at the imposing 400-year-old Castle Stuart. A strong, hearty structure that has withstood centuries of civil unrest and wild Scottish winters but when standing over your hybrid, has you wondering if your probable rope hook might do everlasting damage. In truth the long par three has you at an arm’s length of the castle, walking through the castle grounds and not by the front door. This par three is simple and modest. It didn’t need to be anything more.

Historic references continue on the 5th green, literally. The old fishing bothy (small hut/building - your second Scots translation of today’s newsletter) has been beautifully restored and now acts as both a repellent of stray approaches and a weather-tight halfway house. Doak was believed to be adamant about leaving the greensite and building as close as possible and he got his wish. For what it’s worth, I think this would be a fun place to sleep…I dare you Cabot Highlands.

But it is by the unassuming 7th fairway where the history of the land came alive during construction when a Neolithic burial ground was discovered. The dig unearthed dozens of human tools dating back 6,000 years including quern stones and a rare prehistoric chariot wheel. The haul was described by archaeologists as “exceptional” and resulted in delays to construction and amendments to the routing.

The routing then heads inland where the holes are far less photogenic but the golf, equally compelling. At all times the course played firm and “linksy” despite being built and created on farmland. Admittedly there are times you want to get closer to the water but due to some environmental constraints on existing wildlife around the wetland marsh, you can’t.

As a result, the combination of strong cultural and historic references early in the round, the environmental constraints on the water late in the round and the subtle, understated golf course design left me repeating the same word when reflecting on my first visit - restraint.

Like all golf resorts, you’re after two very different but comparable golf courses and in Old Petty they’ve achieved this. I ‘ve always been a huge fan of Castle Stuart and never quite understood why it never got the accolades other modern links golf courses in Scotland receive despite being a mainstay in the World Top 100 golf courses. While Old Petty is unlikely to feature on that same list, it will be well worth your time playing.

10 rounds between both courses? I would go 6-4 Castle Stuart.

The addition of the second golf course has been felt instantly, with growing pains forcing development to the clubhouse and the addition of a short course and real estate also in the immediate plans.

Mark Parsinen, the visionary behind “modern links golf” in Scotland, firstly at Kingsbarns then Castle Stuart, had big plans prior to his sudden death in 2019 aged 70.

Grant Sword, a managing partner of Castle Stuart at the time, said: “Mark was a friend first and a partner second. He was immensely proud of what he achieved here, but his vision for the resort was much bigger. As difficult as it will be without him, we must continue his legacy and fulfil his ambitions for a place he held dear to his heart.”

With help from Ben Cowan-Dewar and Cabot’s investment, twinned with the long serving staff members who ensure the original Castle Stuart culture remains true, Mark’s legacy lives on.

Reads, Listens and Links

St Andrews Links take over the running of the Duke’s Course from Old Course Hotel

The R&A confirms dates for The 156th Open in 2028

R&A also shared details of The Open’s inaugural “Last-Chance Qualifier” at Royal Birkdale next summer

Royal Dornoch close the doors to their clubhouse for the final time

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Sharing this newsletter with fellow links golf pilgrims really helps. I’ve been gifted some Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club calendars for those that love wee amazing 12 hole golf courses...a hole for every month of 2026! Reply to this email and I’ll post a few out.

Cheers,

Ru Macdonald