Although the news has been out for the past couple of days, Cabot, the developer and operator of master-planned golf resort communities, today officially announced the acquisition and reimagination of World Woods Golf Club in Brooksville, FL. Cabot CEO and c0-founder Ben Cowan-Dewar should help Central West Florida a prime destination with what eventually will be known as Cabot Citrus Farms – 1,200 acres of sandy soil and rolling hills canopied by towering sand pines, palmetto trees and century-old moss-covered oaks.
World Woods Golf now Cabot Citrus Farms
Cabot Citrus Farms, which features two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, makes an addition to Cabot’s existing collection of properties, best known for natural settings, world-class golf and exceptional service. Cabot’s growing portfolio includes the highly-acclaimed Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Cabot Saint Lucia resort community set to open in late 2022, and Cabot Revelstoke, in progress in British Columbia.
“I couldn’t wish for a better location for our first U.S. development,” Cowan-Dewar said. “The property is a nature lover’s paradise that rivals the most spectacular sites I’ve seen across the world. We are excited to build upon the amazing legacy established at World Woods and forge a new path for Cabot Citrus Farms as a vibrant golf and residential community that showcases the Sunshine State’s abundant natural offerings.”
World Woods, less than 50 minutes from Tampa and 80 minutes from Orlando was founded by Yukihisa Inoue in 1993. It quickly garnered acclaim for its two golf courses – Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks – and practice facilities. Fazio, then at the height of his design powers, created Pine Barrens in the image of the legendary Pine Valley (N.J.).
The development will operate as World Woods in the near term and begin renovations this spring. Cabot Citrus Farms will open in 2023 with the two revitalized 18-hole courses, a par-3 course, a new clubhouse, and practice facilities with a putting course and driving range. The search is currently underway for golf course architects to improve the overall playing experience and bring out the best of this spectacular site.
As with all Cabot resorts, real estate will be a key community component, with sales expected to begin later this year. Cabot Citrus Farms will be complete with retail, restaurants, fitness and spa amenities, communal gathering points and a farmer’s market.
Cabot’s first U.S. destination, Cabot Citrus Farms, is less than 50 minutes from Tampa and 80 minutes from Orlando. While close to urban amenities, the property is located in the central-west region of Florida, aptly known as the Nature Coast. Visitors will delight in one-of-a-kind experiences, including exceptional hiking, biking, and nature trails at neighboring Withlacoochee State Forest, spring-fed rivers and bountiful lakes at Crystal River, and world-class fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
