A Pilgrimage to the Home of Golf

Golfers around the world share a common dream — a bucket list of courses they hope to one day play. For most, that list begins with a pilgrimage to the home of golf: St. Andrews. To stand on the first tee of the Old Course is one of those life-changing moments every golfer envisions. I can personally attest that it does not disappoint. Traveling to Scotland is everything you’ve heard and more — a blend of history, hospitality, and pure golfing magic.

While the photos below capture many of the sights you’ll encounter on a Scotland adventure, they only tell part of the story. I’d like to share more — about my favorite region of Scotland and about my friend and client, the late Mark Parsinen, whose vision brought one of the most remarkable modern courses in the country to life.

The Heart of the Highlands

From the Old Course at St. Andrews to the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, Scotland is filled with unforgettable landscapes. And though I didn’t spot Nessie, the Highlands left an indelible mark on me. The quiet, rugged beauty of this region is something I’ll never forget, and the golf is simply world-class.

While Royal Dornoch rightfully earns much of the acclaim, another course stood out to me as the crown jewel of the Highlands — Castle Stuart.

Castle Stuart: A Modern Classic

Castle Stuart stands apart as the most extraordinary course I played during my trip. The famed historical layouts of Scotland are magnificent, but Castle Stuart struck the perfect balance between classic tradition and modern design.

As my fiancée so perfectly described, its creator, Mark Parsinen, was “the Walt Disney of golf course design.” His genius lies in crafting a course that is both visually stunning and playable for everyone. Nearly every hole feels secluded, offering a sense of calm and immersion rarely found elsewhere.

Unlike many modern courses, Castle Stuart eliminates visual clutter — no parking lots, no cross-traffic of golfers, no distractions — just the pure beauty of the landscape and the game. Even the parking area is tucked discreetly out of sight.

I was fortunate to play the course several times with Mark himself. Listening to his insights on design and discovering the subtle details woven into each hole was nothing short of fascinating. His use of infinity greens framing breathtaking views of the Moray Firth remains one of the most memorable design features I’ve ever experienced.

Take my advice — when you visit the Highlands, make sure both Castle Stuart and Royal Dornoch are on your itinerary.

In Closing

I could easily write a full book about my time in Scotland, but this brief reflection is meant to offer just a glimpse of the adventure that awaits in this incredible country.