The Cabot Collection, renowned for its incomparable portfolio of luxury resort and residential golf destinations, announces the grand opening of Cabot Citrus Farms, a 1,200-acre sanctuary nestled among the rolling hills, ancient moss-covered oaks and sand pines of Florida’s picturesque Nature Coast. Marking the brand’s illustrious U.S. debut, the property features two revitalized 18-hole golf courses, two unique shorter courses, luxury real estate and nightly accommodations, curated experiences and a host of amenities.
“The former World Woods Golf Club always stood out to me for its enchanting setting and dramatic elevation changes unlike anything I’d ever seen across the state of Florida,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and co-founder of Cabot. “It has been an honour to reimagine this iconic site alongside our amazing team. We drew inspiration from the property’s rich history and natural beauty to create a destination that will bring people together through incredible golf experiences, outdoor adventures and a strong sense of community.”
Golf:
Set against a one-of-a-kind landscape in the Sunshine State, Cabot Citrus Farms features four unique and meticulously designed golf courses complemented by unparalleled practice facilities, including a two-acre putting course and a driving range with Trackman technology.
Karoo
Karoo is an 18-hole “adventure golf” masterpiece designed by architect Kyle Franz, showcasing some of the world’s widest Bermuda fairways, expansive greens, multiple routes to pins and bold contours that encourage creative play. The course’s namesake stems from the loud trumpeting sound, described as a rolling “karoo,” made by its resident Sandhill Cranes. Karoo was recently featured as the cover star of GOLF Magazine’s November/December 2024 issue, where it debuted as No. 32 in the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” ranking.
Roost
The second 18-hole course, Roost, takes golfers on a journey back in time to the relaxed charm of Old Florida with canopies of moss-draped trees, sandy soil and tranquil setting. The course peacefully flows across sandy scrublands and rolling meadows featuring rare 50-foot elevation changes and a 40-foot-deep sinkhole. The majesty of century-old live oaks encourage careful shot-shaping, while four bunkerless holes reflect the abundance of natural features. Inspired by the rare, historic achievements of great collaborations in golf history, Roost was synergistically designed by Mike Nuzzo and Kyle Franz, along with Ran Morrissett as Golf Course Architecture Advisor. Together they established the routing and brought in the legendary Rod Whitman to produce a diverse set of greens that are unified yet distinct. This collaborative vision showcases the land as the star of the 7,200-yard course for a serene yet captivating golf experience. Named for the wild turkeys that roam the course and roost in its gorgeous 100-year-old oaks, Roost is set beside farmland where cows graze under shady trees—the very picture of bucolic bliss.
The Squeeze
For those looking to enjoy more golf in less time, The Squeeze is a dynamic 10-hole course that blends diverse, dramatic terrain with a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. Designed by Mike Nuzzo, this unconventional course features half-par holes alongside par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s, each presenting distinct challenges. Balancing playful whimsy with strategic intrigue, The Squeeze delivers an engaging experience for golfers of all ages.
The Wedge
Small on size but big on golf, The Wedge, also designed by Nuzzo, is an 11-hole par-3 course, providing a unique, immersive experience with expansive waste areas, sloping greens and varied lies. Showcasing speakers and low-profile lighting, The Wedge creates a lively atmosphere, allowing golfers to enjoy the course past dark.