Castle Stuart Golf Links

Mark Parsinen likened Castle Stuart Golf Links to a theatre with the stage being the Black Isle and landmarks which dot the landscape. The first three holes are situated beside the firth in the ‘Orchestra Section’, with the latter half of the back nine on the ‘Mezzanine.’ Holes 10 through 12 are back in the Orchestral Section. From the 13th onwards you work your way back up to the highest seat in the ‘Balcony.’

Castle Stuart Golf Links Distinctive Features

• Multiple routes are given on each hole from tee to green on fine, firm turf.
• Landmarks in the shotmaking perspective. For example, Kessock Bridge, Alturlie Point, Chanonry Lighthouse, Fort George, and Black Isle all provide framing and backdrops which create a sense of place.
• Fun golf with wild contours called ‘rumples’ and wide fairways up to 90 yards!
• 3rd shot recoveries were designed to be fascinating with bold greenside contours.
• Bunkers are manicured in the playing area.
• Partially reverted bunkers were used to feel old and have become a hallmark of the course.
• A landscape mosaic was created. In essence, the course was woven into the existing landscape.
• The design is such to keep you engaged… even after a bad shot the focus is on the next rather than searching for it

Gil Hanse, Mark Parsinen, Jim Wagner, Chris Haspell all played an integral role in the development of the golf course. Some of the team which produced Kingsbarns was brought in and accented by additional skilled design-build shapers.

Independant Castle Stuart Course Review

Take Sean Arble’s tour of Castle Stuart Golf Links.

Castle Stuart Golf Links Photography

Purchase Kevin Murray’s Castle Stuart Golf Links photography.