Tom Doak-designed course in Inverness, Scotland, had been available for preview play since July 2025
By Kasturi Datta |
The Tom Doak-designed Old Petty course at Cabot Highlands in Inverness, Scotland, has opened for public play. The new 18-hole layout had been available for preview play since July 2025.
Doak designed and routed the layout, with associate Clyde Johnson taking the lead on site, alongside agronomist and shaper Chris Haspell, who also worked on the original Castle Stuart course, designed by Gil Hanse.
Highlights of the course include the shared central fairway area on holes one and eighteen; the coastal vistas on ten; the par-three sixth beside the water’s edge; and the par-five fifteenth, which hugs the Moray Firth as the course turns for home. The last three holes can be found on the other side of the Moray Firth inlet, including a challenging par-three seventeenth with a dramatic green complex.
Old Petty has opened for public play, following a preview period that began in July 2025 (Photo: Jacob Sjoman)
Castle Stuart comes into view on the third hole, a downhill par three that runs directly alongside the tower house, built in the early 1600s. The castle remains in view for many holes that follow, which are located on the other side of an inlet of the Moray Firth.
Tom Doak routed the course, with associate Clyde Johnson taking the lead on site, alongside agronomist and shaper Chris Haspell (Photo: Jacob Sjoman)
“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,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and co-founder of Cabot. “Old Petty is a course that will surprise, challenge and inspire, true to the spirit of the Highlands.
“The response during preview play exceeded our expectations. Old Petty was designed to work in harmony with this extraordinary landscape, and seeing golfers embrace it so enthusiastically is deeply rewarding.”