Travel bucket list idea:
Castle Stuart Golf Links
Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
This stunning links, tucked away north-east of Inverness in northern Scotland, is a delight both to play and look at, with widescreen views as far as the Black Isle peninsula.
Unlike many links courses, the fairways aren’t overly tight, especially off the tees, but it puts all the onus on the quality of your approach, which needs to be accurate to find the perfectly protected greens. The opening holes on both nines make their way along the water before rising up to higher ground; this is where the views really start to open out.
It’s not an old course, but it’s a regular host of the Scottish Open – and it’s not hard to see why.
Logistics
Getting there & doing it
The course is 7 miles east of Inverness, off the A96; it’s easy to get to. Your handicap will determine the tee you play off; to play off the tips (blacks), you’ll need to secure permission from the clubhouse (and be as close to scratch or better).
When to do it
The course is open all year round, seven days a week, but it’s best played between March and September. Midweek is often quieter than weekends, but be sure to book your tee time well in advance.