Staff WriterIf you’re the sort of golfer who likes a side of history with your hazard, then clear your calendar this August—because the long-awaited Old Petty golf course is finally ready for its curtain-raising at Cabot Highlands.
Designed by the genre-bending, green-shaping virtuoso Tom Doak, Old Petty has officially sprouted its first blade of purpose and is primed for preview play between August 1 and September 30, 2025.
Nestled alongside the Old Petty Church (which has seen more centuries than your putter’s seen three-putts) and stealing glances at the 400-year-old Castle Stuart from 13 of its 18 holes, this isn’t just another new golf course.
The Old Petty golf course is a rugged love letter to the Scottish Highlands—romantic, raw, and a bit mischievous when the wind gets up.
From the first tee to the final green, Doak and his right-hand man Clyde Johnson have let the land do the talking.
Fairways tumble and tease around the clubhouse in a criss-cross that evokes a touch of St Andrews strategy, while the short par-3 17th looks ready to punch above its weight.
The 10th will have players pausing for panoramic coastal views—before the 14th returns them, spiritually and physically, to the brooding Moray Firth.
“This isn’t a manufactured thrill ride,” you can almost hear Doak mutter from behind his specs. “It’s golf that belongs.”
That sentiment is echoed by Cabot CEO and co-founder Ben Cowan-Dewar, who isn’t hiding his enthusiasm. “We are so excited to be sharing this first glimpse of Old Petty,” he said.
“From the outset, our vision has been to honour the land and its rich history while crafting an unforgettable golf experience that adds to the reputation of Castle Stuart. Old Petty is a course that will surprise, challenge and inspire, true to the spirit of the Highlands.”
In keeping with that spirit, Old Petty will be walking-only during the preview season—a nod to tradition and a subtle hint that you’ll want time to soak it all in. Tee times are exclusively tied to Castle Stuart bookings, giving visitors a two-for-one taste of Cabot Highlands’ growing prestige.
At £190 for Old Petty and £330 for Castle Stuart, the pricing is more pilgrimage than discount—but for those who appreciate great architecture and rugged landscapes, it’s worth every yard.
Cabot Highlands kicked off its 2025 season on March 31, with bookings open for Castle Stuart year-round and the new kid, Old Petty, ready to greet golfers this August.
For updates, tee times, and a peek behind the velvet rope, visit www.cabothighlands.com or sign up for their newsletter here.
Just don’t be surprised if your next trip to Scotland has you raving less about the whisky and more about the par-3 17th.
