Golfing legend Arnold Palmer is convinced that Castle Stuart is the “right project” for his first golf course in Scotland after visiting the site today.
The Arnold Palmer Group, which is investing in the current partnership at Castle Stuart Golf Links, is collaborating on building a second 18-hole course on the shores of the Moray Firth near Inverness.
The Palmer Tribute course will complement the existing course at Castle Stuart, designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, and which has achieved worldwide acclaim since opening in 2009.
The historic setting, exceptional environment and impressive new partners at the club were key to the seven-time Major winner deciding that Castle Stuart is the perfect location.
He visited the site ahead of the Open championship at St Andrews and aims to open his course by 2019, with work starting on it next spring.
Mr Palmer said: “When it comes to locations we’d like to work, Scotland has always been at the top of our list. We appreciate Scotland as home not only to the game of golf but arguably the best collection of courses anywhere in the world.
“Needless to say the bar is set pretty high. Accordingly, we’ve been careful not to jump at the first opportunity to come along, deciding instead to wait on the right project.
“In the case of Castle Stuart, the property has a number of characteristics that are not only beautiful, but distinctly Scottish. To name a few, the property is home to a 400-year-old castle, exceptional topography, a grove of ancient hardwood trees, and a number of burns that crisscross the site.
“These elements combined with the backdrop of the Moray Firth, will give our course a great chance to form its own identity, creating a very memorable experience for all who play it.”
In terms of attributes, Mr Palmer was drawn to the quality of the sandy, well drained soil on the course, and the gently flowing natural contours that will enable the creation of great golf holes without any worries about drainage.
He also said that his team will strive to make sure that the walks from green to tee will be of a short distance.