Old Petty, the Cabot Collection’s much-anticipated Tom Doak design at Cabot Highlands, at Dalcross, Inverness in Scotland, will officially open for preview play on August 1, 2025.
Following the acquisition of Castle Stuart Golf Links by Cabot in 2022, plans were revealed to create a new, 18-hole course named “Old Petty.’’ This course pays homage to Old Petty Church, adjacent to the property established in 1839.
Old Petty will open for preview play for two months, through Sept. 30, 2025. Old Petty will offer a walking-only experience throughout the preview play. The course will be open only to those with an existing tee time at Castle Stuart, ensuring that golfers can indulge in a true links experience, enjoying both golf courses under the new Cabot Highlands umbrella.
Old Petty will offer an authentic links experience, complementing its neighbor, Castle Stuart.
Preview play green fees at Old Petty are listed at £190. With Castle Stuart green fees priced at £330 for 18 holes, preview play at Old Petty offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Scotland’s finest courses at an introductory rate.
The grand opening of Old Petty will be in Spring 2026, with bookings to be announced in 2025.
“We are truly honoured to serve as stewards of this remarkable land and to carry forward the original vision for the property,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, co-founder and CEO of Cabot. “Our goal is to create unforgettable memories in magical places, and there are few places in the world more awe-inspiring than the Scottish Highlands.”
“Old Petty, guided by the vision of Tom Doak, will be a remarkable addition to the Highlands’ golfing landscape. Its design will harmonize beautifully with the natural surroundings, truly elevating the land it occupies.”
Don Placek’s hand-drawn map of the site shows that Old Petty begins and returns to the clubhouse, with the opening and closing holes crisscrossing fairways. This is a unique and noteworthy start and finish to your round.
The second hole plays past Old Petty Church before the third plays past Castle Stuart. Tom Doak turned inland from the fifth green for the final holes on the front nine. The 10th will use the Moray Firth as a backdrop before turning inland and returning to the tidal estuary on the 14th.
Like so many famous courses, a short par-3 serves as the penultimate hole before returning home. The driving range will also double as a short course, an addition that has proven successful at other Cabot venues, such as The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Canada, and The Wedge at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville, FL.
A recurring theme is the routing near the historic Castle Stuart, which celebrates its 400th year in 2025. The Castle can be seen from 13 of the 18 holes at Old Petty, immersing golfers in Scottish history both underfoot and in the surroundings.
Doak designed and routed Old Petty, with long-time associate Clyde Johnson taking the lead. Chris Haspell, a well-known agronomist and shaper who worked on the original Castle Stuart links, also assisted.
To be among the first to receive updates on Old Petty and to explore booking opportunities for 2025 and beyond, subscribe to the email newsletter at https://cabothighlands.com/email-signup/
For more information about The Cabot Collection and Cabot Highlands, please visit thecabotcollection.com and cabothighlands.com.
The Cabot Collection is a luxury developer of incomparable golf destinations. Its portfolio includes the award-winning Cabot Cape Breton, Cabot Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, Cabot Revelstoke in British Columbia, Cabot Citrus Farms, Cabot Highlands,, and Cabot Bordeaux in France.
Feature Photo: Old Petty (Jacob Sjoman)