Cabot Links

Cabot Links was born from the vision of Toronto entrepreneur Ben Cowan-Dewar, who discovered the dramatic coastline of Inverness, Nova Scotia, and saw the potential for a world-class links course on the site of a former coal mining town. Partnering with Mike Keiser, the visionary behind Bandon Dunes, Cowan-Dewar enlisted Canadian architect Rod Whitman to design what would become the first true oceanside links course in Canada. Construction began in 2008 and continued through the global financial crisis, with the course opening for play in 2012.

The site had been used for coal mining since the 19th century, and the town of Inverness had seen decades of economic decline after the mines closed. Cabot Links transformed the community, bringing international attention and tourism dollars to this remote corner of Cape Breton. Every hole on the course boasts water views, either of the Gulf of St. Lawrence or MacIsaac's Pond, the tidal inlet that runs through the property.

Since opening, Cabot Links has been ranked among the top courses in the world, regularly appearing in Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine global rankings. Together with its sister course Cabot Cliffs, it has established Cape Breton as one of the premier golf destinations on the planet.

Cabot Links delivers an authentic links experience unlike anything else in North America. The course plays firm and fast, with wide fairways that encourage creative shotmaking and ground game approaches. Expect constant wind off the Gulf of St. Lawrence that will test your ability to control trajectory and distance. The greens are large and subtly contoured, rewarding those who study the slopes carefully.

The resort setting is world-class, with on-site lodging, dining, and the ability to walk from your room to the first tee. The walking-only policy enhances the links experience, and caddies are available and recommended for first-time visitors.

Wind management is the key to scoring at Cabot Links. Keep the ball below the wind whenever possible and embrace the bump-and-run approach that links golf demands. The fairways are generous, so prioritize keeping the ball in play over maximizing distance off the tee.

Study the green contours before putting, as many greens slope toward the ocean in subtle ways. A caddie is invaluable for reading both the wind and the greens. Bring layers, as conditions can change rapidly on the Cape Breton coast, and be prepared for temperatures that can drop significantly even in summer.