Old Petty opens for play at gateway to the Scottish Highlands

On Friday, May 15, 2026, Old Petty at Cabot Highlands in Scotland officially opened its doors. This event marks a significant milestone in the development of the resort, formerly known as Castle Stuart. Old Petty is the second course on the property, designed by the renowned Tom Doak and his long-time associate, Clyde Johnson.

The addition of a second course was part of Cabot's strategy when it acquired Castle Stuart in 2022. Tom Doak, known for his design philosophy of seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape, along with Johnson, crafted a routing across rumpled terrain along the Moray Firth coast. The course winds around tidal inlets and alongside the historic Castle Stuart, built over 400 years ago.

The course's name, Old Petty, is derived from the nearby Old Petty Church, which stands as a landmark to the right of the 2nd hole. Among the routing's other memorable features are crossing fairways on the 1st and 18th holes, as well as breathtaking coastal vistas that emerge at various points throughout the round, only to disappear behind dunes. These fleeting glimpses can be seen as a metaphor for the course's own marketing, which included limited preview play last year – a sort of "teaser" before the main event.

For Cabot, the opening of Old Petty represents another milestone in transforming the property into a premier golf destination, now boasting two world-class courses. The original Castle Stuart course, designed by the duo Gil Hanse and the late Mark Parsinen, already ranks among the best courses in the world according to GOLF.com. Old Petty shares the same "firm-and-fast" DNA but possesses a distinctly unique identity that sets it apart from its "neighbor." "It was important to build something that would fit naturally with the great courses in the area while still having its own identity," Doak stated in a press release celebrating the opening.

The timing of the opening is fitting, as the 2026 golf season gains momentum in Scotland. The course's location is also strategic: Old Petty is situated at the very beginning of the Scottish Highlands, close to Inverness Airport. This makes it an ideal starting point for further excursions north to renowned courses such as Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Nairn Golf Club, and Brora Golf Club.

The design of Old Petty takes into account the coastal environment, particularly by routing holes around wetlands. This creates a unique playing experience where golfers must contend with natural elements that demand strategic thinking. Every shot at Old Petty is not just an attempt to reach the hole but an interaction with the historic landscape and the natural beauty of Scotland. The new course is expected to attract golfers from around the globe eager to test their skills on one of the country's most scenic and challenging layouts.

Cabot Highlands aims to become a leading golf resort, and the opening of Old Petty is a key step in achieving this goal. The combination of exceptional design, stunning views, and strategic location makes Old Petty a must-visit for any serious golfer. The resort offers a full range of amenities, including accommodation, dining, and practice facilities, to ensure a memorable stay for its guests. Old Petty is poised to quickly establish its place among Scotland's and the world's top golf courses, offering a challenge to both seasoned players and enthusiasts.