Cabot Links Course
Inverness, Nova Scotia, CA
Cabot Links, a testament to Canadian golf's surging presence on the world stage, stands as a modern links marvel sculpted into the rugged, windswept coastline of Cape Breton. The course, though relatively young, already whispers of legendary status. Architect Rod Whitman, with later enhancements by Keith Rhebb and Riley Johns, crafted a design that embraces the natural undulations and exposed seaside conditions. Cabot Links encourages strategic shot-making and creative problem-solving, demanding players carefully consider wind direction and ground contours. Wide fairways belie the subtle challenges that await; approach shots must be precisely judged to navigate the undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers. Playing along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it is known to be a walking course (albeit carts are available) with no shortage of spectacular views. Cabot Links isn't necessarily a "championship" venue – though its demanding layout would certainly test the best – but rather an experience. The true allure of Cabot Links lies in its raw, unadulterated golf, reminiscent of the classic links courses of Scotland and Ireland. As well, the golf club is known for its classic seafood dishes, particularly fresh locally sourced lobster.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #37
Best in Canada
Public: #2
Best in Nova Scotia
Public: #2
Golfers say Cabot Links rivals or even surpasses its higher-ranked sibling Cliffs, praising its playability, natural routing, and rewarding design that works with the terrain rather than punishing mistakes. Most highlight the course's gradual build, starting modestly before reaching standout coastal stretches from the sixth hole onward, particularly the dramatic par-3 14th and risk-reward par-4s along the water on 15 and 16. Reviewers note firm, fast conditions that demand creativity around challenging greens, though some find them difficult to hold in typical strong winds. The property earns consistent praise for its world-class hospitality, including a memorable halfway house and the unique 19th-hole restaurant overlooking the finishing green.
9.1
123 players
Near perfection. Awesome short holes, challenging par 4s, gettable par 5s. Cape hole is a masterpiece. Prob better course than Cliffs but slightly lesser views.
Fancy a lobster roll at the turn? Cabot Links is the little sister to Cabot Cliffs but deserves an equal amount of love. Some incredible holes along the coast with challenging greens I had a hard time holding the greens
Played it twice and both times came away thinking Links > Cliffs. Still has amazing views but no real gimmicky holes, starts slow but gradually keeps getting better the further into the round you get.
It’s crazy that I’m calling Golf.com’s 79th best course in the world underrated, but it only feels right. Cabot’s properties are all world, their place in Inverness, Nova Scotia may just be their best. With two world top 100 courses, I believe, as well as the other 7 guys on my trip, that the lesser ranked of the two courses is the better one. The Cabot Links course is an incredibly fun design that generates playable golf (at the mercy of the wind) with its natural terrain and firm ground. The initial stretch of holes are fun, opening up with a par five, then a Biarritz esque par 3, then a short par 4, a long par 4, and a mid length par 3. Once you reach hole 6 you’re met with one of the most beautiful holes of golf. A dogleg left par 4 with Inverness Harbour off the left. You see native boats in the distance which gives you such a surreal feeling on the tee box. The next otherworldly holes are 13 and 14. 13 is a fun uphill par 4 with a blind tee shot. 14 is reminiscent of Pebble Beach’s 7th hole. It’s under 100 yards on the ground and plays dead downhill. With the typical strong winds off the ocean, however, it requires a fun knockdown iron. The following two holes are par 4s that run directly along the water and they allow the golfer to play fun cuts right over the water that will work their way back to the green (I did this both days, it was so cool!). 17 is a short par 3, and 18 is a go big or go home par 5 that really gets tight around the green. The Links course is far more playable than its Cliffs counterpart, and for that reason, I believe it to be a stronger golf course. The golfer doesn’t get punished half as much, in fact they get rewarded. Another fun touch is the Restuarant right on the 18th green, where golfers who’ve already finished their rounds can place bets on the golfers coming in. Cabot Links truly is special. It’s a fun golf course that gives you exactly what you put into it. And if you’ve played it, you’re likely the only person you know who has.
Public courses closest to Cabot Links at Cabot Cape Breton.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Cabot Links at Cabot Cape Breton has a Course Vaults score of 9.1 out of 10 based on 75 explicit golfer ratings.
Cabot Links was designed by Rod Whitman.
Yes. Cabot Links at Cabot Cape Breton is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Cabot Links is 70.
Cabot Links plays 6,854 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Cabot Links is 132.
