ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
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Course Report
Castle Stuart was co-designed by Mark Parsinen, who also created Kingsbarns, and was the venue for Phil Mickelson's 2013 Scottish Open victory immediately before he won The Open at Muirfield.
About
Castle Stuart Golf Links, designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, is a modern championship layout along the Moray Firth near Inverness. With rugged natural features, panoramic seaside views, and creatively contoured fairways, the course offers strategic, visually stunning play and has hosted the Scottish Open multiple times, attracting golfers worldwide with its unique Highlands setting and exceptional design.
Caddie Tip
Castle Stuart offers multiple risk-reward options on many holes. Use the course guide to manage elevation changes and prevailing winds, especially along the shore holes. Aim further inland for safer approaches on aggressive lines, and be conservative off the tee near the Moray Firth to avoid severe slopes and deep revetted bunkers.
The Main Challenge
The course presents its greatest challenge when the wind whips across the Moray Firth, making club selection tricky and accuracy vital. Tight fairways edged by tall fescue, deep pot bunkers, dramatic changes in elevation, and demanding approach shots test all aspects of a golfer's game, especially for those unfamiliar with links golf.
The Good
Golfers rave about the panoramic views of the Moray Firth and the sense of isolation on seaside holes. The course routing maximizes drama and variety, with rolling fairways, infinity-edge greens, and strategic design at every turn, leaving an unforgettable impression that blends visual thrill with world-class architecture.
The Not So Good
Some players note that weather conditions, especially wind and rain, can make the course play extremely tough and less enjoyable on difficult days. A few golfers mention the inland holes not being quite as spectacular as those that hug the shore, wishing for more consistent scenery throughout all 18 holes.
Signature Hole:
#
11
The par-3 11th hole is renowned for its stunning views of the Moray Firth and Black Isle, set on the lower level by the shoreline. The green is perched against dramatic coastal scenery, demanding an accurate iron over native fescue and bunkers, and rewarding precise distance control. It is one of Scotland's most photographed par 3s.
Clubhouse
The Art Deco clubhouse offers panoramic lounges, locker rooms, a pro shop, and quality dining with local cuisine. The terrace overlooks the Moray Firth and first tee, with attentive staff, club storage, and comfortable amenities that enhance the pre- and post-round experience for all visitors.
Practice Facilities
The practice area is extensive, with a full-length driving range, large putting green, and dedicated short game zones. Warm-up balls, targets and all-weather mats are provided. High-quality surfaces replicate course conditions. Facilities are modern and well-maintained, ideal for preparing for challenging play.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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