Scotland’s revered golf landscape welcomes an exceptional new addition today with the highly anticipated opening of Old Petty, the second championship course at the newly rebranded Cabot Highlands resort near Inverness. This momentous debut marks a significant expansion for the Cabot Collection, enhancing Scotland’s reputation as a premier luxury golf destination and building upon an already illustrious legacy.
The driving force behind this ambitious project is Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO of Cabot Collection, whose journey in the golf industry began as a tour operator before transitioning into resort development. His notable success includes the 2012 launch of Cabot Links on Cape Breton, Canada, widely acclaimed as a top-tier luxury golf destination. This extensive experience positioned Cabot Collection perfectly for its venture into the heart of Scottish golf.
Cabot Collection’s acquisition of the iconic Castle Stuart Golf Links in 2022 signaled immediate plans for a second world-class course. The vision was to create a new links course seamlessly integrated with the estate’s historic 400-year-old castle, promising an unparalleled golfing experience. This strategic expansion aimed to complement the existing championship layout and solidify the resort’s standing.
Christened Old Petty, the new course has been meticulously designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, known for his minimalist approach and ability to craft courses that feel organically part of the landscape. His collaboration with Cabot has resulted in a true links course running along the ocean, capturing the raw beauty and challenge inherent to Scottish coastal golf.
Initial access to Old Petty is exclusive, with preview play available only until September 30 for those who have booked a round on the established Castle Stuart course. This phased introduction allows for a controlled launch, giving early enthusiasts the chance to experience the course at a special preview green fee, further generating buzz within the golf community.
For Mr. Cowan-Dewar, the development of Old Petty has been a deeply personal undertaking, distinct from previous projects. He recently walked the 18 holes with designer Tom Doak, and his anticipation is palpable, noting, “Unlike past projects, I have not hit a shot yet, so I am eagerly anticipating my return!” This personal investment underscores the passion driving Cabot’s commitment to golf excellence.
The deep connection between Cabot’s origins in Inverness, Nova Scotia, and the new Inverness, Scotland, location felt almost fated, according to Cowan-Dewar. This geographical parallel reinforced the decision to expand into the Scottish market, building upon the vision of Mark Parsinen, the original developer of Castle Stuart, who significantly influenced Cowan-Dewar’s early career.
Bringing Tom Doak’s vision for Old Petty to fruition has been a collective labour of love, involving numerous dedicated individuals committed to delivering a world-class links course. The focus has consistently been on creating an authentic Scottish golfing experience that resonates with both the heritage of the sport and the breathtaking natural environment.
The response to Old Petty’s opening has been overwhelmingly positive, with the level of bookings and expressed interest significantly surpassing initial expectations. This enthusiastic reception from the global golf community highlights the strong demand for premier golf experiences and validates Cabot Highlands’ position as a leading destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
Leave a Reply