How to Build the Perfect Golf Course, According to The Cabot Collection’s Ben Cowan-Dewar

In a world where golf is no longer just a sport but an indulgent lifestyle in itself, few names have as much impact as Ben Cowan-Dewar. As the co-founder and CEO of the Cabot Collection, his journey from a passionate young golfer to a visionary developer has not just contributed to the golfing landscape, it has also significantly influenced it. We talk to the 44-year-old Canadian about the art of building the hottest new golf course and the challenges that come along with it.

The philosophy behind golf course development

Cowan-Dewar’s dedication to creating exceptional golfing experiences is what sets him apart. It’s this passion that has led to the success of iconic properties like Cabot Cape Breton and the recently opened Cabot Saint Lucia. Under his leadership, Cabot has transformed previously overlooked locations into world-class golf destinations, earning acclaim and loyalty from golf enthusiasts globally. This is his side of the story.

When it comes to developing and designing a new golf course, Ben starts with one essential element: the land. “It all starts with a great piece of land,” he says, emphasising the importance of choosing inspiring settings. His vision is clear — each course must be both challenging and fun, designed to repeatedly attract golfers of all skill levels. This approach not only ensures a memorable playing experience, but also fosters a loyal community of golfers.

His thought process is meticulous. He prioritises creating immersive destinations where the golf course seamlessly blends with the surrounding environment. Beautiful real estate, accommodations, and a selection of complementary amenities are the archetype of his projects. This hallmark strategy has set a gold standard for golf course design and resort development. “When we invest in the locations we do, we’re making an investment over the incredibly long term—in the place, the site and the community,” he vocalises through an Instagram post, connecting with the new, social media savvy golfers of today.

Key elements of a perfect golf course

According to Ben, the recipe for the perfect golf course involves several critical elements:

1. Inspirational land

The foundation of any great course lies in its location. Ben looks for land that is not only beautiful, but also has the potential to offer a unique golfing experience. For instance, Cabot Saint Lucia’s Point Hardy Golf Club is praised for its visually stunning landscape. “Bill Coore praised Cabot Saint Lucia as ‘the most visually stunning piece of land we have ever worked with,’” he shares. The course’s seamless integration with the Saint Lucian landscape and its strategic positioning above the Atlantic Ocean make it a standout project.

2. Challenging yet fun design

A successful course should cater to golfers of all skill levels. This balance ensures that the course remains engaging and enjoyable over repeated visits. At Cabot Citrus Farms, for example, the courses feature sandy soil, elevation changes, and canopying mossy oaks, providing a diverse and exciting golfing experience. “When the opportunity arose to acquire it, I knew it was the perfect location for our first U.S. resort,” he confirms.

3. Integration with surroundings

The course should blend seamlessly with its environment, enhancing the natural beauty and character of the location. This approach not only preserves the ecological integrity of the area but also enhances the overall experience for visitors. “We prioritised the positioning of the golf course and then crafted the rest of the development around that,” Ben explains, speaking on Cabot Saint Lucia.

4. Comprehensive amenities

Beyond the course itself, it is crucial for establishments to offer high-quality accommodations and amenities. These elements complete the resort experience, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for a memorable stay. “Creating beautiful real estate, accommodations, and a variety of amenities complement the courses and round out our resorts,” Ben adds.

5. Sustainability and community engagement

Long-term success requires a commitment to environmental sustainability and community involvement. “The longevity of a course requires not just environmental sustainability, but also community stability,” he notes. This ethos is central to Cabot’s operations, ensuring that each development benefits both the environment and the local community. “We take inspiration from St Andrews as the exemplar,” says Ben, highlighting the importance of building properties that can stand the test of time.

Highlighted projects and their unique challenges

Cowan-Dewar takes great pride in the success of Cabot Cape Breton, which opened in 2012 on a former coal mining site. “We were able to take a former coal mining site and breathe new life into the land and community,” he reflects. The transformation of this site into Canada’s No. 1 golf destination is a testament to his vision and dedication. One of his most significant achievements lies in the act of employing over 500 people in an area that previously struggled to create new jobs.

The grand opening of Cabot Saint Lucia and the developments at Cabot Citrus Farms have also been noteworthy for their seamless integration with natural landscapes and terrain. In an article on Cabot-Dewar, The PGA Tour of America lavished him with great praise, saying, “He is arguably the brightest mind in golf-course development right now.” The article further highlighted that his existing projects continue to be bucket-list venues for the best in the world. Most notably, Brooke Henderson, the 13-time LPGA Tour winner — including the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship teed it up at Cabot Cliffs, calling it “so amazing and beautiful.” When high praise comes from someone who travels the world playing golf at the best locations money can find, you know you’ve made it.

However, not all projects have been smooth sailing. The 2008 recession presented significant challenges during the construction of Cabot Links at Cabot Cape Breton. “Golf Digest reported at the time that Cabot was one of only four golf courses in the world still under construction,” Ben recalls. Despite the economic downturn, the decision to continue construction paid off, with the resort opening to overwhelming positive reception in 2012.

Upcoming projects and future vision

The future of Cabot Collection looks promising, with several exciting projects in the pipeline. Cabot Highlands in Inverness, Scotland, is set to debut its new 18-hole Tom Doak-designed course, Old Petty, in 2025. The course will feature a tidal estuary and views of the 400-year-old Castle Stuart, creating a unique golfing experience that celebrates Inverness’s rich history. It will also feature an extended 11,000-square-foot clubhouse with a whisky and cigar bar, a clubhouse grill bar, and a chophouse restaurant.

Another eagerly anticipated project is Cabot Revelstoke in British Columbia, Canada. This is slated to be Cabot’s first golf and ski destination, located in the heli-ski capital of the world. “The location is truly remarkable — surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, giant old-growth forests, and glaciers,” Ben enthuses. The Rod Whitman-designed course will overlook the Columbia River, offering spectacular views of the Monashee and Selkirk peaks. There will be a total of 79 luxury residences boasting two to five bedrooms with pricing currently beginning at CAD 3.95 million (Approx HKD 22.5 million).

The Cabot CEO is also excited about the future of Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida, which will celebrate its grand opening in the fall of 2024. The resort, which is Cabot’s first U.S.-based destination, has already generated significant buzz within the golfing community.

Favourite golf courses and personal influences

Ben’s journey in the golf industry has been shaped by numerous influences and inspirations. “In 1986, when I was six, I watched Jack Nicklaus win the Masters and I was hooked. I grew up travelling to golf in Florida with my grandfather and as I got older, my dad and I would go on golf trips together. It was my first window into seeing how the sport brings people together,” Ben reminisces. “My main goal has always been to create special destinations that stand the test of time, where friends and families can make memories to last a lifetime, and that’s exactly what our underlying mission has been with each Cabot property.”

Beyond the Cabot Collection, the entreprenuer also holds a deep appreciation for other iconic golf courses and resorts. “Bandon Dunes, created by my partner, mentor and friend, Mike Keiser, is certainly inspirational,” he says. The remote beauty of Bandon Dunes along the Oregon coast inspired his vision for his own developments.

Additionally, Ben also admires the longevity and community integration of St Andrews in Scotland. “St Andrews has been a part of the fabric of golf for 500 years and has successfully sustained a future for multiple generations to enjoy,” he notes. This example of sustainability and community engagement serves as a model for Cabot’s projects.

Cabot’s commitment to sustainability and community

A core philosophy of Cabot is sustainability and giving back to the community. “Being able to employ the wonderful people who live in these great places is central to making the operations sustainable,” he iterates, adding, “Cabot will continue to prioritise this ethos of building special properties to stand the test of time, and our full team will remain dedicated to working in harmony with the surrounding environments in which we’re privileged to touch.”

Final thoughts and advice for aspiring developers

Reflecting on his journey, he offers the most valuable advice to aspiring golf course developers and entrepreneurs. “My favourite motto has always been to work hard and be nice to people. And also… buckle up, the road will get tough, but it will all be worth it.” This wisdom, gained through years of experience, underscores the importance of perseverance, kindness, and gratitude in the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Ben’s journey from a passionate young Canadian golfer to a leading figure in the golf industry is a testament to his vision, dedication, and resilience. Through the Cabot Collection, he has redefined what it means to create world-class golf destinations, transforming landscapes and communities in the process. As Cabot continues to expand and innovate, Ben’s impact on the golfing world remains profound, inspiring future generations of developers and golf lovers alike.

(Main and Featured Image credit: The Cabot Collection/Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What do you call someone who designs golf courses?

A person who designs golf courses is called a golf course architect. Their main responsibility is to create a course that balances the natural landscape with the strategic challenges of the game.