Cabot Highlands: 2026 Access and Booking Update
Cabot Highlands, the Moray Firth resort built around the celebrated Castle Stuart links near Inverness, became a two course destination in 2026 with the grand opening of Old Petty, a brand new eighteen from Tom Doak.
The news: Old Petty opens, and Cabot Highlands becomes a 36 hole resort
The big story in the Highlands for 2026 is the grand opening of Old Petty at Cabot Highlands in May 2026. Designed by the acclaimed American architect Tom Doak with lead associate Clyde Johnson, Old Petty is a brand new eighteen routed over rumpled ground beside the Moray Firth and past the four hundred year old Castle Stuart that gives the resort its name.
The arrival of a second championship course transforms the property. What was a single, much admired links is now a genuine 36 hole destination, the kind of place that justifies a multi day stay rather than a single round on the way north or south. It is the first new course Cabot has opened in Scotland since taking over the former Castle Stuart resort and rebranding it Cabot Highlands in 2022.
The two courses
The original links, still known as Castle Stuart, was designed by Gil Hanse alongside the late Mark Parsinen and opened in 2009. It plays as a par 72 of around 7,200 yards, with broad fairways, dramatic raised greens and constant views over the firth toward Chanonry Point and the Black Isle, and it has hosted the Scottish Open four times.
Old Petty is the new companion. Doak and his team shaped holes around tidal inlets and across humped, natural terrain, in the minimalist style that has made the architect's reputation, and early reaction from those who saw preview play in 2025 was warm. Together the two courses give travelling golfers contrasting tests on one stretch of the same magnificent coast.
How to play it in 2026
To play Cabot Highlands in 2026, book through the resort, and book early, as the addition of Old Petty has sharpened demand on an already busy tee sheet. As a guide, a single round on the Castle Stuart links runs up to around 385 pounds in the 2026 peak season, with lower spring, autumn and twilight rates, and combined 36 hole and stay and play packages offer better value for a proper visit. Treat these as indicative for 2026 and always confirm directly before booking.
The Highlands season runs from late spring to early autumn. May, June and September tend to bring the firmest turf and the longest northern daylight, ideal for fitting both courses into a short trip, while the Moray Firth wind is part of the examination in any month.
Our take
Our take is that Old Petty is the most significant Scottish opening in years, and it pushes Cabot Highlands from a one round detour into a destination in its own right. Two genuinely good courses, a short drive from Inverness airport, make this one of the easiest premium golf breaks to reach in all of Scotland.
If you are planning a 2026 Highlands trip, build it around both courses at Cabot Highlands and add Royal Dornoch up the coast and the links of the Black Isle. Tell us your dates and group, and we will route the whole tour, tee times and stays included.
Plan your Highlands golf trip
From both courses at Cabot Highlands to Royal Dornoch and the Black Isle links, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge builds and costs the tour, with no obligation.
Questions
What is new at Cabot Highlands for 2026?
Cabot Highlands opened Old Petty, a brand new eighteen hole course designed by Tom Doak, in May 2026. It joins the existing Castle Stuart links to make the resort a 36 hole destination near Inverness.
What are the green fees at Cabot Highlands for 2026?
As a guide, a single round on the Castle Stuart links runs up to around 385 pounds in the 2026 peak season, with lower shoulder season, twilight and combined 36 hole rates. Treat these as indicative for 2026 and always confirm directly before booking.
Who designed the courses at Cabot Highlands?
The original Castle Stuart links was designed by Gil Hanse with Mark Parsinen and opened in 2009. The new Old Petty course was designed by Tom Doak with Clyde Johnson and opened in 2026.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course, access and fee details verified June 2026 from club, resort and golf travel sources; conditions and green fees change, so always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.