The wait ends. Cabot Citrus Farms – the most anticipated Florida golf resort in over a decade – officially opens today in Brooksville. The 1,200-acre property, set among rolling hills, sand pine trees, and ancient oaks, is the latest development from the Cabot Collection and its CEO and co-founder, Ben Cowan-Dewar.
Located on what was the old World Woods Golf Club and less than one hour from Tampa, Cabot Citrus Farms features revitalized 18-hole golf courses, shorter courses, luxury real estate, and nightly cottage accommodations that together create a village-like setting in the middle of North Central Florida scrub-land. The resort’s two signature courses—Karoo, designed by Kyle Franz, and Roost, designed by Franz, Mike Nuzzo, and Ran Morrissett—opened the past few months for limited preview play.
Cabot Citrus Farms: A Game Changer
To say that Cabot Citrus Farms is a “game-changer’’ in the world of Florida (and beyond) golf resort destinations might be an understatement.
“Our team put a tremendous effort into creating a truly unique golf destination, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiastic response from guests throughout the preview play period,’’ Cowen-Dewar told me. “The reception to the property has exceeded my expectations. It’s designed to welcome everyone – from seasoned players to those new to the game. We wanted to create a place where golf feels approachable, inclusive and fun.’’
Each of the signature two courses is distinctive. Karoo (7,562 yards, par 72), for example, with its split fairways and larger-than-life greens complexes, exemplifies Franz’s love for the “Golden Age” of golf course architecture.
In particular, George Thomas’ influence can be seen in Karoo’s multiple fairways (three on the 489-yard par-four), which create wide routing optionsyers for average pla but force better players to hit the right sections of fairways.
“I just tried to mesh and mold things I like into a style that is our own, be creative and really challenge us in ways where we’re not just copying my mentors,’’ Franz told me. “We’re doing something that’s really fun. We’re pushing the initiative and really taking some risks. Hopefully, everyone likes it, enjoys it, and walks away saying, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever played anything like. It’s pretty cool.’’’
Roost (7,200 yards, par 72), meanwhile, is a bit more tame for average players, but with some 50-foot elevation changes, extended tee boxes, and smallish greens, it is plenty challenging.
Roost (Patrick Koenig)
“The big, broad greens complexes of karoos might let you hit more greens,’’ Cabot Citrus Farms General Manager David Bennett told me during a recent visit. “But even if you hit the green, it doesn’t guarantee a two-putt. With Roost, if you hit the right shot onto the green, you’ll have an interesting birdie look or a par. There is that kind of interesting dynamic to it all.’’
That dynamic continues with CCF’s “short’’ courses. The Squeeze is a 10-hole layout that blends diverse, dramatic terrain with a lively atmosphere. Designed by Nuzzo, the Squeeze features half-par holes alongside par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s.
The Wedge, also designed by Nuzzo, is an 11-hole par-3 course with expansive waste areas, sloping greens and varied lies. Showcasing speakers and low-profile lighting, The Wedge creates a lively atmosphere, allowing golfers to play the course past dark.
Cabot Citrus Farms Real Estate
On the real estate side, Cabot Citrus Farms offers a collection of homes available for purchase, including two- and four-bedroom Cottages alongside a selection of two-story Fairway Homes. Carefully along the 10th hole of Roost.
For resort guests, accommodations are available for nightly rental, with pricing starting at $1,250 per night through June 2025.
“We’re trying to offer a different experience than what you normally receive,’’ Bennett said. “With the rolling hills and pine trees… this property is just so unique.
“The location is really going to be the difference. People never really have experienced this type of Florida golf. ‘’
Feature Photo: 14th hole on Karoo (Andrew Harvie
