Golf legend Arnold Palmer set to build first Scottish course

Developers say the new venture would complement the existing course at Castle Stuart

Golf legend Arnold Palmer is set to build his first course in Scotland, according to developers.

Castle Stuart Golf Links said the Arnold Palmer Group is to collaborate on a new 18-hole links course on the Moray Firth near Inverness.

It added that the new venture would complement the existing course at Castle Stuart, which opened in 2009.

Plans for the new course are expected to be submitted within two months.

It is envisaged work will get under way early next year, ahead of the return of the Scottish Open to Castle Stuart for the fourth time in six years.

It is planned to have the new links open for use by 2019.

The partnership deal was announced by Arnold Palmer at his Invitational tournament being held this week at Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Florida.

Arnold Palmer said he had "a strong affection" for Scotland

Mr Palmer, who won a total of seven majors, said he intended to visit Castle Stuart this summer ahead of The Open at St Andrews.

Members of the Palmer team have already visited Castle Stuart several times recently.

He said: "I have had a strong affection for Scotland since I first went there in 1960 to play in the Open at St Andrews.

"I have returned many times since, including a memorable victory in the Open Championship at Troon in 1962.

"The opportunity to build an iconic golf course in Scotland would be the culmination of all these great experiences."

Castle Stuart's managing partner Mark Parsinen said: "We have been in discussion for more than a year now with the Arnold Palmer Group and we are delighted that it has joined the partnership at Castle Stuart Golf Links.

"We are working with his design team on the routing of the new course with a view to beginning construction this time next year.

"The new course will be similar in length to the existing 7,193-yard links and will feature spectacular views across the Moray Firth, as well as the 17th Century castle which gives the course its name."