Nestled in the rolling hills of Brooksville, Florida, just 45 minutes north of Tampa International Airport, Cabot Citrus Farms represents the latest masterpiece in the Cabot Collection's expanding portfolio of world-class golf destinations. This 1,200-acre sanctuary has transformed the former World Woods Golf Club into an extraordinary golf resort that showcases the natural beauty of Florida's terrain while offering an unparalleled golf experience.

The property's story begins with World Woods Golf Club, which opened in 1991 with two Tom Fazio-designed courses: Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks. After decades of operation, the property caught the eye of Cabot's visionary CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar, who saw the potential in its unique topography and sandy soil. In 2022, Cabot acquired the property, marking their first venture into the U.S. market, and began an ambitious transformation that would honor the land's golfing heritage while creating something entirely new.

The Golf Experience

Karoo

Designed by Kyle Franz as his first solo project, Karoo is a bold statement that pushes the boundaries of modern golf architecture. The course immediately announces its intentions with one of the most challenging opening stretches in golf, featuring dramatic bunkering and sophisticated green complexes that demand both power and precision.

Stretching to 7,562 yards from the back tees, Karoo offers five sets of tees (ranging down to 4,223 yards) to accommodate players of all abilities. The routing is particularly clever, with the front nine forming a figure-8 around the perimeter while the back nine weaves through the interior, creating constant variety in wind direction and shot demands.

The course's defining characteristics include vast waste areas and intricately placed bunkers that create multiple strategic options on every hole, massive undulating greens with bold contours, and wide fairways that encourage aggressive play while requiring careful positioning for the best angles. The firm, fast conditions bring the ground game into play while demanding precise control of trajectory and spin.

Standout holes include:

The dramatic opening par-4, with its gauntlet of bunkers demanding precision from the very first shot
The stunning par-3 third, featuring a massive crater-like depression that creates one of golf's most unique green complexes
The par-5 sixth, which rewards strategic layups and offers multiple routes to the green
The risk-reward 15th, a driveable par-4 that tempts players with a heroic carry over waste areas to a well-protected green
The challenging finishing hole, where diagonal fairway bunkers force players to make one final strategic decision

Roost

While Karoo challenges golfers with its audacious features, Roost offers a more nuanced but equally compelling test that might prove to be the property's hidden gem. The product of an unprecedented collaboration between Mike Nuzzo, Kyle Franz, Rod Whitman, and architecture consultant Ran Morrissett, this 7,200-yard layout seamlessly blends classical design principles with modern playability. Though it may currently stand in the shadow of its more dramatic sibling, Roost's more traditional approach and tournament-friendly design positions it as a potential venue for significant professional events in the future.

The course's distinctive elements include natural elevation changes up to 50 feet (rare for Florida golf), ancient live oaks draped with Spanish moss that frame holes and demand strategic shot-shaping, and a remarkable 40-foot-deep sinkhole incorporated into the design of a dramatic par-3. The diverse routing takes advantage of various environments, from sandy scrubland to rolling meadows dotted with flowering dogwoods.

Standout holes include:

The short par-4 opener, with its blind approach to a tilted green
The par-5 9th, bursting from ancient oaks to a sprawling vista
The par-5 11th, playing over a natural barranca to a bunkerless green set into a hillside
The risk-reward par-4 13th, where players must decide how bold to be with their drive between an oak tree and water hazard

The course rewards careful course management while still offering opportunities for aggressive play. The firm conditions and thoughtfully placed hazards create multiple playing angles to every green, making each round a unique strategic puzzle. These characteristics, combined with its more traditional layout and ample space for galleries, make Roost an intriguing candidate for professional tournaments. Don't be surprised to see this course emerge as a future stage for championship golf, offering the perfect blend of challenge and fairness that professional events demand.

The Squeeze

Designer Mike Nuzzo drew inspiration from the world's best short par-4s to create this innovative 10-hole layout that perfectly complements the championship courses. Ranging from 100 to 550 yards, The Squeeze offers a delightful mix of risk-reward opportunities and strategic decisions. Each hole presents its own unique challenge, from reachable par-4s that tempt big hitters to cleverly contoured greens that demand precision. The course's name couldn't be more appropriate – it expertly "squeezes" the essence of championship golf into a shorter, more playable package that's perfect for an afternoon round.

The Wedge

This brilliant 11-hole par-3 course comes alive as the sun sets, thanks to its sophisticated lighting system that transforms twilight into prime playing time. Holes range from 70 to 108 yards, but the real story is in the variety of shots required and the dramatic green complexes. Nuzzo's design incorporates huge waste areas and bold contours that make every shot interesting, whether you're playing your first round of the day or settling bets under the stars. The Wedge represents golf at its most social and entertaining, offering a perfect venue for improving your wedge game or enjoying a nightcap round with friends.

A perfect day at Cabot Citrus Farms typically begins with a morning round on either Karoo or Roost, followed by lunch at The Porch. Rather than tackling a second championship course, many guests opt for an afternoon round on The Squeeze, whose shorter layout provides the perfect blend of challenge and playability after a morning on the big course. As darkness falls, the property comes alive in a unique way – The Wedge's lighting system transforms it into an evening golf entertainment venue, ideal for settling those final matches or enjoying a nightcap round under the stars.

Resort Life at Cabot Citrus Farms

The property features luxurious two- and four-bedroom cottages, strategically positioned for easy access to all facilities. Each cottage comes equipped with a full kitchen, creating a perfect home-away-from-home atmosphere for golf groups and families. Beyond the resort accommodations, Cabot Citrus Farms is expanding its real estate offerings with new homesites under development, including exclusive fairway homes overlooking the courses. This growing residential community reflects Cabot's commitment to creating a vibrant, year-round golf destination.

The dining scene continues to evolve, offering guests multiple options to satisfy their culinary desires. The Porch serves as the property's social hub, with its inviting fire pits, comfortable seating areas, and popular wood-fired pizzas creating the perfect setting for post-round relaxation. The upcoming opening of The Grange will significantly expand the resort's dining portfolio, promising an elevated culinary experience. For those preferring privacy, the fully-equipped kitchens in each cottage allow for intimate in-room dining, with special meal options available for delivery.

Beyond golf, the property features a sporting club with Five Stand shooting, archery, and axe-throwing, along with access to the neighboring Withlacoochee State Forest for hiking and biking. Future additions will include tennis, pickleball, and padel courts, as well as multiple pool areas for both adults and families.

The best time to visit is during peak season from November through April, with optimal weather conditions and full services. The shoulder and off-seasons offer more favorable rates but come with Florida's characteristic heat and afternoon showers.

As Cabot Citrus Farms continues to mature, it is poised to become one of America's premier golf destinations, offering a unique blend of challenging golf, luxurious accommodations, and the natural beauty of Florida's inland terrain.