Castle Stuart
From the time you arrive, there are many
delightful members of staff, determined to
ensure you genuinely have a good time while,
thank goodness, the “have a nice day” surface
comment was not in evidence!
There is exquisite attention to detail, from the
mouldings and bumps around the greens to
windows at eye height allowing those taking a
shower to watch their friends on the 9th hole
or using the extensive practice facilities.
Before playing in 2010 I had a proper coffee
in the dark, wood-panelled bar, sank back in a
deep leather armchair and studied Parsinen’s
welcome in the course planner.
His concept of the game is about error and
recovery, rather than perfection, and it drives
his wish to minimise time spent looking for
lost balls and to create greens that inspire
confidence, an ethos that he calls “more about
redemption than punishment”.
6
EXCLUSIVE GOLFER
The philosophical heart of this course is in
good hands.
He is aware that many of the golfers he wishes
to attract are influenced in their golf tastes by
television’s promotion of ‘dart-board, targetstyle’ golf on courses with over-watered greens,
lush criss-cross mown fairways, penal hazards
and an emphasis on driving and putting. He
is saying there is a more enjoyable type of golf
and is appealing to them to try his form of ‘fine’
golf.
The course is in two loops, linked at the central
art-deco style clubhouse that has 180 degree
views from three levels, perched on the high
escarpment overlooking the Moray Firth and
across to the disturbingly beautiful Black Isle
with its hills and mountains behind.
Parsinen is known as a designer who
incorporates the creation of vistas behind his
greens. At Kingsbarns mounds were moved