Summary: The attention moves to Scottish Open venue Castle Stuart Golf Links this week as we continue our winter series, profiling links courses to visit during a 2015 golf trip to Scotland. Golf Course Review Opened in the Scottish Highlands in 2009 this Gill Hanse design offers a modern golf facility with a golf course resembling many key characteristics fitting with its older Scottish links counterparts. On the edge of Inverness and skirting the Moray Firth the 18 hole course offers charming playability paired with some of the best views in Scottish golf. Read Castle Stuart Golf Links hole by hole review here. (Sourced by Golf Club Atlas) “The course should elicit anticipation and hopefulness in players of all skill levels; let it test one's perceptual ability, judgement, decision-making, shot-making, and emotional poise; let it not be difficult for the sake of being difficult, rather let it be interesting and engaging.” Ru & Graylyn’s Thoughts Graylyn played the course some 4 years ago during a visit with the St Andrews University Golf Team. His memories of the visit are fond with reference to the simplistic course design and spectacular routing. Ru believes this could be the best example of a modern golf course working to produce golf as it was. Hard, fast and fun. Castle Stuart 2015 Greenfees based on High Season Rates Per Round £190 36 Holes - £235 (Second round played within 4 days) Number of Visitors The success of the 2013 Scottish Open and Phil Mickelson as a popular Champion has without doubt helped attract more golfers to the facility. The Ryder Cup, at the end of 2014 also provided an exceptional busy period for everyone working at Castle Stuart. Fortunately having the luxury of being a visitor only course the availability throughout the season is very good. Best Time to Play? – Availability is usually very good. Both sunrise and sunsets are specular at Castle Stuart. Success of 2014 The tremendous feedback from golfers who enjoyed their visit noting also on the fantastic course condition. Improvement Area for 2015 Season Marketing the array of golf and onsite offerings at Castle Stuart Golf Links Message to Golfers Visiting in 2015 “Take advantage of our 36 hole rate which allows your second round to be played within four days. On site lodgings have also proved popular. These include 3 x 4 bedroom cabins and 1 x 3 bedroom all equipped with en suite bathrooms, sky television and transportation including airport transfers available on site.” (Stuart McColm – Castle Stuart Golf Links General Manager) Advice from your Hosts Go for the 36 hole rate at £235. Your second 18 has to be taken within 4 days so enough time to explore the other golf offerings in the area before trying your hand at Castle Stuart once more. (Ru) Bring your camera, the views here are some of the best in Scotland. (Graylyn) Until Next Week.. Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.
