Stay at Castle Stuart to improve your game

Castle Stuart is pitching a new accommodation and coaching package to visitors to help them make the most of their stay in the Scottish Highlands.

The deal includes staying in luxury on-site lodges at Castle Stuart Golf Links, which has hosted the European Tour’s Scottish Open four times since 2011, with introductory lessons in links golf by former tour pro Gillian Stewart.

Gillian, a former Curtis Cup player and four-time winner on the Ladies European Tour, is now a respected coach based at Castle Stuart, near Inverness.

Stuart McColm, Castle Stuart’s general manager, said the package is ideal for first-time visitors to a links course: “Links golf is a different challenge for some players and getting advice and learning a few shots from an expert like Gillian before teeing off will be extremely useful.

“Staying on site and being able to benefit from Gillian’s expertise will help visitors enjoy the experience to the full. It underlines that coming to the Highlands is the smart way to arrive in Scotland and begin a Scottish golf itinerary.”

Gillian said: “These packages are an easy and convenient way to enjoy the spectacular Castle Stuart course and learn more about links golf, while improving your game.

L-R Sandie Meacher, Liz Kynoch, Gillian Stewart and Liz Pendered

“The key is that golfers will be able to design their tuition package around their own requirements. One-hour individual lessons, course lessons, plus the specific Links Golf Lesson are all available.”

The package, which starts at £385 per person (based on 8 sharing a four-bedroom lodge), will be officially launched at the KLM Open in The Netherlands from 14-17 September. It includes transfers from Inverness Airport, which is a five-minute drive to the first tee, two rounds of golf at Castle Stuart, two nights’ accommodation in one of the four-bedroom lodges and a 30 minute introductory links golf lesson.

Liz Kynoch, a member of Highgate (London), Centurion (Hemel Hempstead) and Glenbervie (Larbert) golf clubs; and Liz Pendered and Sandie Meacher, members at Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire, were the first golfers to try the deal, ahead of the official launch.

Liz Kynoch said: “Combining an outstanding coach, a top-class links course and luxury accommodation, makes Castle Stuart a perfect destination.

“Several top courses offer on-site accommodation and golf tuition, but none can match Castle Stuart’s ability to combine a truly outstanding coach, one of the country’s most stunning courses, luxury accommodation and true Highland hospitality - all of which give the feel of a welcoming, friendly members course you will wish to return to as soon as you leave.”

Liz Pendered added: “The jewel in the crown for me was the beautiful course with the Moray Firth never far away. Second to that, the service provided by staff in the clubhouse, pro shop and half way house, all drilled with attention to detail.

“Gillian's coaching package was a delightful add on. She is an insightful coach and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season with her recommendations and tips.”

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