I have just returned from a trip to Inverness, where I had the pleasure of playing at the wonderful Nairn Golf Club and two rounds at the stunning Castle Stuart course at the ever-evolving Cabot Highlands. It was a delightful escape to Scotland, one that I have had the privilege of experiencing before, and if possible, will make an annual pilgrimage.
The quick and easy flight from London leaves plenty of time for a lunch and 18 holes at Nairn, which in my opinion, is an underrated gem. While Nairn is well-known, having hosted the Walker Cup and being recognised as an excellent golf course, it does not always get the recognition it deserves. Perhaps because it is an older, more traditional club, in a country laden with golfing excellence, it is somewhat taken for granted. But it is a fantastic links course, with every hole offering views of or running alongside the sea.
In contrast, Castle Stuart is much newer and more modern, with a layout that is both fabulous and truly spectacular. Designed by Mark Parsinen, the same visionary behind Kingsbarns, Castle Stuart benefits from the refinements Parsinen made after his work in Fife. It is a joy to play, with generous fairways that invite good shots, though the second shots are always challenging. The views and terrain are simply breathtaking, with the Highlands and diverse flora constantly drawing your eye. Like a fine wine, the course is aging beautifully.
My well-travelled playing partners and I agreed that we absolutely love this golf course. The welcome and service are top-notch—warm, courteous, and highly efficient. However, when we last visited, it was not yet a Cabot course, and the energy and intent around the resort are clearly different now. Cabot-branded couches and cookies add a professional yet fun touch to the experience.
And it is only going to get better! During our round, we saw significant progress on the development of the new ‘Old Petty’ golf course, which winds around the bay in the Moray Firth. By this time next year, when ‘Old Petty’ opens, Cabot Highlands is set to become one of the world’s most sought-after resorts. You can already see and feel the excitement.
Earlier this year, after hearing rave reviews about the transformation at the old World Woods just north of Tampa, Florida—now Cabot Citrus Farm—and the recent acquisition of the former Golf de Medoc, now renamed Cabot Bordeaux, I was reminded of the famous line from Paul Newman’s character in *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*: “Who are those guys?” The whole golf world must be asking the same question as Cabot seemingly tracks down and revitalises the best golf course opportunities around the globe!
Cabot is a Canadian-based golf course development company founded and led by entrepreneur Ben Cowan-Dewar. One thing is clear: Mr. Cowan-Dewar and Cabot have a deep understanding of the ‘wow factor.’ Every course they acquire is dramatically improved and presented at the highest level, and every course they build is designed to create a fantastical experience, instantly earning a spot on your bucket list. If you are curious, I would recommend googling Cabot St. Lucia—just for pure pleasure.
In conclusion, I would love to see Mr. Cowan-Dewar work his magic in England sometime soon. It would not be right if we did not feature in the Cabot Collection and enjoy the benefits of what will undoubtedly be a growing legion of Cabot enthusiasts!
