PICTURED ABOVE L-R: Mike Turnbull, Reesink Scotland; John Mooney, The Toro Company; Robert Jackson, Reesink Hydro-Scapes; James Hutchison, Cabot Highland Golf Club; Simon Squires, The Toro Company and Jon Cole, Reesink Turfcare.
Cabot Highland is set to open its new Old Petty course in April 2026, with its leadership saying that careful planning and modern turf management technology is helping to establish high-quality playing surfaces.
Course manager James Hutchison, who also oversees Castle Stuart in Inverness, is overseeing the build and turf establishment, ensuring both courses maintain their reputation. The team has introduced a range of machinery and irrigation systems to support precise mowing, topdressing, and watering during the early stages of grass growth.
A fleet of Toro machines, including reel and hybrid mowers, aerators, and topdressers, is being used to manage the course efficiently. James said the focus is on precision - “At this delicate stage, every aspect of mowing, watering, and topdressing needs to be carefully managed to ensure the grass establishes correctly and the playing surfaces meet our standards.”
The irrigation system installed across Old Petty allows targeted watering and accurate application, supporting the growth of the new turf and minimising waste. Reesink Scotland, the UK distributor, is providing on-site support to ensure operations run smoothly.
Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, the new Old Petty course is part of Cabot Highland’s expanding portfolio and represents a major addition to Scotland’s golfing landscape.