Rod Whitman's Dream becomes a Reality

Cabot Links, the original gem of Cabot Cape Breton, offers much more than just exceptional golf. It’s a resort that combines world-class accommodations, diverse dining options, and stunning natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination ever since its opening in 2012.

Cabot Links boasts a variety of accommodations tailored to different group sizes and preferences. The Lodge Rooms, designed like high-end hotel suites, are perfect for smaller groups or solo travelers.For larger parties, the Golf Villas, Cliff Residences, Hillside Homes, and Dunes Cottages offer luxurious private residences that can accommodate up to 10-12 people. These homes, which range from $1,000 to $5,000 per night depending on the season, provide spacious living quarters with all the comforts of home.

Dining at Cabot Links is as exceptional as the golf. The Panorama Restaurant, located just a few yards from the 18th green,offers upscale cuisine with breathtaking sunset views—an ideal spot for a celebratory meal. Whit’s Public House, also on the Links property, has an upscale dive-bar vibe with live music, outdoor seating, and billiards.

For a more rustic dining experience, Coore’s Lobster Shack, housed in a converted barn on the Cliffs property, serves some of the freshest lobster dishes you’ll ever have. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or casual eats, Cabot Links has something for everyone.

The Cabot Links property is the heart of Cabot Cape Breton and serves as its operational hub. Unlike the Cliffs property that opened in 2016, Cabot Links doesn’t have a driving range, but it compensates with practical amenities like a paved parking lot,the resort’s larger pro shop, and the main front desk. The pro shop is an impressive space stocked with everything from ball markers and hats to belts and flasks, catering to both golf enthusiasts and those looking for unique souvenirs.

Cabot Links: A modern adaptation of links style golf

Cabot Links, despite its name, is not a pure links-style course in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a modern interpretation that blends classic elements with innovative design. The course plays as a par 70, with only three par-5s and five par-3s, offering a unique rhythm to the round that keeps golfers engaged.

The opening hole at Cabot Links, a par-5, is designed to ease players in to the round with a wide landing zone and a straightforward green complex. While not as expansive as the first hole at Cabot Cliffs, it provides a strong scoring opportunity right out of the gate.

The second hole is a stark contrast— a demanding par-3 that can play up to 247 yards into the wind. Both times I played it, I needed to club up to navigate the conditions. Walking away with par on this hole felt like a victory.

The third hole is a textbook example of risk-reward design. This driveable par-4 tempts players to aim for the green, but an environmental hazard running the length of the right side makes laying up with an iron the smarter choice. Going for it can quickly turn into disaster, as I learned firsthand.

The fourth hole, a short par-4, is deceptively tricky, demanding accuracy off the tee and into the green. Missing the green here in any direction can lead to challenging recovery shots.

The fifth hole offers a breather with its straightforward par-3 design. What you see is what you get—a simple hole where taking advantage is key.

The sixth hole ramps up the difficulty with its strategic par-4 layout. It’s driveable under the right wind conditions and with a high swing speed, but for most golfers, the challenge lies in deciding how aggressive to be. An out-of-bounds hazard runs the entire length of the right side, making this hole as mentally taxing as it is rewarding.

The seventh hole, a downhill par-3, provides the first real sense of proximity to the beach. Its exposure to the wind and adjacency to the ocean make it a hole to remember.

The eighth hole, a par-5, runs along the coast and features a large ridge that must be cleared with a long tee shot to give any chance of reaching the green in two. Fairway bunkers on the left punish overly aggressive drives, adding to the strategic complexity of the hole.

The ninth hole is a shorter par-4 with a downhill tee shot that leads to a good scoring opportunity. It’s a satisfying way to close out the front nine and set up for the challenges ahead.

The 10th hole is a driveable par-4 that demands strategy and execution. The tee shot is blind, with hills and bunkers obscuring key sight lines. The green is heavily defended by bunkers and unplayable shrubbery, making it a model of risk-reward design. On both days, I went for the green but ended up out of position, highlighting the difficulty of this seemingly straightforward hole.

The 11th hole, the longest par-5 on the course, plays up to 620 yards. An awkward landing zone forces many golfers to hit less than driver to avoid the hazards that narrow the fairway. The blind approach to the green, paired with a backboard slope that can be used creatively, adds to the intrigue of this hole.

The 12th and 13th holes are more straightforward par-4s, offering wide fairways and approachable greens. These holes provide a welcome opportunity for scoring after the challenges of the 10th and 11th.

The 14th hole is the shortest on the course, playing only 108 yards. Despite its length, it can be one of the trickiest. The elevated tee box exaggerates the effects of wind, and any miss—except short— leads to a difficult recovery. I managed a par and a birdie here, but this hole requires precision and a steady hand.

The 15th and 16th holes are par-4s that run alongside the ocean. The beauty of the surroundings can be a distraction, as I discovered while playing them in 3-over for the week. These holes combine challenging design with jaw-dropping scenery, making them unforgettable.

The 17th hole, a par-3, features a massive, undulating green. Pin positions here can turn an already difficult green into a three-putt nightmare, as many golfers in my group learned the hard way.

The closing hole, the par-4 18th, isn’t flashy but serves its purpose well. It’s situated alongside the clubhouse and Panorama Restaurant, creating a tournament-like atmosphere for your final shots. The pressure of playing in front of an audience adds a unique dynamic to the finish.

A True Test of Strategy

"People come here for the Cliffs but come back for the Links.”

Cabot Links is a course that demands thoughtfulness and precision from tee to green. While I played well, shooting 79 and 80, I still found myself out of position multiple times during my second round—a testament to the strategic design of Rod Whitman. The course encourages creative shot-making and punishes careless play, making every hole an engaging challenge.

While Cabot Links lacks the jaw-dropping scenery and unconventional layout of Cabot Cliffs, it offers a more traditional golfing experience that is no less rewarding. It’s the perfect “older sibling” to the Cliffs course, providing a grounded, strategic counterpoint to the Cliffs’ visual drama and modern design. Personally, I found the Cliffs course more fun, but the Links course still ranks among the best I’ve played in North America.

Like Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links is a walking-only course, with push carts or caddies available. Motorized carts are allowed only for those with medical disabilities. This policy enhances the connection to the landscape and the strategic nature of the course, making it a more immersive experience.

Cabot Cape Breton: Cliffs and Links Courses

Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs together form a power duo that sets the standard for Canadian golf. The Cliffs course may steal the spotlight with its stunning views and unique design, but the Links course holds its own with thoughtful architecture and a more traditional layout.

The saying, “People come here for the Cliffs but come back for the Links,” rings true. Both courses complement each other perfectly, offering a balanced experience that appeals to a wide range of golfers. My trip to Cabot Cape Breton exceeded all expectations, proving that it’s a destination worth every mile of the journey. Whether you’re drawn by the strategic brilliance of Cabot Links or the scenic wonder of Cabot Cliffs, this resort is a bucket-list experience that every golfer should prioritize.

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