I am thrilled that the golfing world has been graced with another masterpiece designed by Tom Doak, the Old Petty Golf Course in Cabot Highlands.
Nestled beside the historic Old Petty Church and offering breathtaking views of the 400-year-old Castle Stuart from 13 of its 18 holes, this remarkable course invites you to experience preview play from August 1 to September 30, 2025.
Old Petty has been thoughtfully designed to highlight the vibrant natural drama of the landscape.
The course features an engaging layout with opening and closing holes that intertwine with the fairways near the clubhouse.
Notable highlights include a captivating short par-3 17th hole and stunning coastline vistas on the 10th, along with a scenic return to the Moray Firth at the 14th.
Crafted by Tom Doak and his associate Clyde Johnson, this design seamlessly integrates with the stunning Highlands surroundings, creating a truly remarkable golfing experience.
Cabot Highlands is excited to offer a unique walking-only experience on the Old Petty course during the preview window.
Tee times can be scheduled in conjunction with bookings for the Castle Stuart course at Cabot Highlands, giving golfers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy two world-class courses.
Preview green fees are set at £190, while green fees for the Castle Stuart course are £330.
Cabot Highlands triumphantly reopened for the 2025 season on March 31st, inviting enthusiasts to book unforgettable experiences throughout the year on the majestic Castle Stuart course and to embrace the excitement of the preview play period on Old Petty.
Luxury golf tourism trends
A market research survey assessed the global luxury travel market in 2021 at approximately US$638 billion, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.9% through 2031.
Conversely, another study estimated the market value at US$1.2 trillion, forecasting a CAGR of 7.6% through 2030.
From the perspective of Cabot Highlands, four pivotal trends in luxury golf tourism warrant attention:
- Hyperpersonalization: creation of the most customized, targeted, data-driven guest experiences. It is a must-do for golf clubs and resorts to secure more bookings, encourage repeat customers (resulting in increased revenue), and enhance ongoing profitability. It involves a comprehensive understanding of individual preferences, behaviors, and expectations through the analysis of data collected at various touchpoints before, during, and after their stay.
- A growing demand for cultural and culinary immersion, as travelers increasingly seek to engage deeply with the heritage and gastronomy of their destinations.
- The trend of Slow Travel emphasizes an intentional shift toward more mindful and environmentally responsible modes of transportation.
- There is a rising expectation for sustainable operations within golf clubs.
To achieve success, Cabot Highlands must develop appropriate strategies and solutions that address these emerging trends.
What have you experienced from these so far in Cabot Highlands?
