A second championship course at Castle Stuart is set to be approved just days before it hosts the Scottish Open for the fourth time.
The return of the tournament is expected to generate millions of pounds for the Highland economy, with thousands of visitors expected to watch an international field clash at the links.
And greater economic boosts are expected in future with the new course, which will be built near the existing course and has been designed by Arnold Palmer’s company.
It will be the first course to be associated with the golfing legend in Scotland.
Councillors are due to consider plans for the course on Tuesday – with planning officials having recommended approval for the multi-million pound development.
It is expected that the new 18-hole course could support more than 50 jobs and attract millions of pounds in investment across the north.
The complex on the shores of the Moray Firth is preparing to host international stars including 2013 winner at Castle Stuart Phil Mickelson as well as Ryder Cup stars Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer at the Scottish Open.
Inverness-born pro Russell Knox will also be in the field as the tournament returns to the Highlands for the first time since 2013, after a three year run from 2011.
The new course will be of a similar scale and size to the existing links and has been designed so at least seven holes will have views of Castle Stuart itself, while 10 will have views over the Moray Firth.
It has been designed by senior architects from Mr Palmer’s company and the 86-year-old golfer – nicknamed The King – said he was aiming to “create something truly special” when he visited the Highlands last July.
The new 18 holes would be built immediately to the south of the existing course.
Stuart McColm, general manager at Castle Stuart Golf Links, said: “We are extremely pleased that officials are recommending that plans for a second world class championship course at Castle Stuart Golf Links be granted.
“We hope that councillors will give their consent next week and allow preparations to continue towards construction getting under way later this year.
“The new course would provide a huge economic boost for Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland. It would strengthen the Highlands’ position as a leading golfing destination and, along with new transport links, help visitors regard it as a gateway for visitors to the Home of Golf.”
“Together with the Arnold Palmer Group, we are acutely aware it has to be developed in the correct way, with community backing and with the support of local and national statutory bodies to protect a sensitive environment.
“As the report to councillors points out, our work on the existing course has demonstrated we can create something with worldwide appeal to bring benefit to the area while working within the regulatory framework.”
In a report due to go before the council’s south planning committee next week, area planning officer Nicola Drummond recommended that the development is approved.
She said: “The development of the second championship golf course is to be welcomed and will be of economic benefit to the area enhancing a well established existing facility.”
If approved, construction is expected to take around two years.
