Cabot Citrus Farms: Where Golf And Community Come Together

Nestled in central west Florida sits a world-class golf destination with growing global significance. Part of the Cabot-owned properties, Cabot Citrus Farms represents the brand’s lone U.S. property and a key piece of one of golf’s fastest-rising portfolios. With destinations spanning Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Scotland, France, and Norway, Cabot has expanded into diverse international markets while blending luxury with breathtaking natural landscapes.

Cabot founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar emphasized the importance of maintaining that standard: “We’ve been known for world-class golf since the beginning with Cape Breton. For so many, that’s their association with the brand, so it’s incumbent on us to get that right. At Cabot Citrus Farms, opening with 36 holes plus two short courses, it feels like we did.”

Formerly known as World Woods Golf Club, the property was acquired by Cabot in 2021 after years of pursuit and has since undergone a comprehensive transformation. The reimagined destination now features two 18-hole layouts, a par-3 course, a 10-hole short course, and a variety of complementary golf amenities. Combined with diverse dining options and on-site cottage accommodations, Cabot Citrus Farms offers a fully immersive, end-to-end resort experience.

The Karoo course—named for the distinct, trumpeting call of the sandhill cranes that frequent the area, is the work of architect Kyle Franz. Built on a canvas that promotes creativity, Franz has seamlessly connected fairways, greens, and hazard areas to create a fluid and strategic routing. Where prototypical Florida golf often penalizes misses with water, trees, and housing, Karoo instead features wide, rolling fairways that blend into expansive sandy waste areas, offering multiple angles of attack into large, undulating greens.

While the targets may appear generous, high-level strategy is ever-present. Subtle contouring and varied pin placements place a premium on precision, as finding the wrong quadrant of these expansive greens can quickly turn a routine approach into a demanding short-game test.

Karoo plays as a par 72 stretching to nearly 7,600 yards from the back tees, featuring four par 3s, four par 5s, and a diverse mix of par 4s. With little to no water in play, visual intimidation comes from expansive waste bunkers that frame nearly every hole and challenge sight lines throughout the round.

One of the course’s defining design elements is its use of split fairways, forcing players to make strategic decisions off the tee. Franz thoughtfully positions angles to favor one side over the other depending on pin placement, rewarding those who think their way around the course. The fourth hole offers a clear example: a par 4 with a divided fairway, where the right side provides a better angle to a back-right pin, while the left introduces a more aggressive risk-reward option when the hole location shifts.

Another defining feature of Karoo is its collection of demanding par 3s. All four require mid- to long-irons, presenting a consistent test of distance control and precision. The 16th serves as a prime blueprint of this, with a massive waste bunker guarding the front of the green and a pronounced bowl in the front-right quadrant that could produce a hole in one if the pin is in the right spot.

Between its extensive waste bunkers, split fairways, and diabolically contoured greens, Karoo flirts with the line of gimmickry but ultimately stays on the correct side of it. With conditioning that sets a high standard in destination golf—and five sets of tees ranging from 7,500 yards at the back to 4,200 at the forward markers, the course delivers a challenge that is both engaging and accessible for players of all skill levels.

A staple in the top 100 public golf courses, Karoo is currently ranked 50th in the latest Golf Digest list in 2025.

Roost, the other 18-hole course on the property, has now been open for over a year and offers a distinctly different experience. Named for the native Osceola turkeys that inhabit the area and roost in the sprawling oak trees throughout the landscape, the course is a collaboration between architects Kyle Franz, Mike Nuzzo, and Rod Whitman, with consultant Ran Morrissett. Together, they have created a layout that allows the land to tell the story.

“To collaborate the way we did, it’s extraordinarily rare,” Nuzzo said. “I’ve certainly supported other projects before, and I’ve always had great respect for Franz and his work. And working with Whitman—that was one of the highlights of the project.”

To fully understand Roost, it helps to look back to prehistoric times. A 100-mile-long ridge, formed by the movement of glaciers and oceans, runs through central Florida and divides the property. As a result, the soil beneath Roost contains less sand and more organic material, supporting denser, more lush vegetation.

Formerly known as Rolling Oaks, Roost draws inspiration from a distinct lineage of iconic layouts, including Augusta National and the courses of the Australian Sandbelt. Towering oaks, flowering dogwoods, and native wildflowers create a visually rich landscape, all set within a routing that offers a comfortable, walkable experience.

The par-5 third stands as the course’s signature hole, featuring undulating fairways, expansive waste bunkers that pinch landing areas, and a generous yet subtly contoured green that demands precise placement on the correct tier.

The 13th, a par 4 played from an elevated tee, showcases Roost’s rolling topography. Framed by oaks and meadow, it requires a well-placed tee shot to unlock the optimal angle into a receptive green.

The shortest hole on the course, the 14th, delivers plenty of drama. Players must hit a precise iron shot over a 40-foot-deep sinkhole to a target that, while wide, features a narrow front-to-back green complex—making club selection critical.

Ultimately, Roost stands as a testament to restraint, nuance, and the power of the land itself. It invites thoughtful navigation through its natural contours, rewarding precision, creativity, and patience. It’s a course that reveals more with each round, where subtle design elements and shifting conditions continuously reshape the experience. In a property defined by variety, Roost provides a compelling counterbalance—one rooted in tradition, strategy, and an appreciation for the game’s timeless architecture.

The Squeeze, a 10-hole short course, is designed with the time-conscious golfer in mind, offering a loop that allows players to hit every club in the bag while still delivering an engaging and enjoyable experience. While many destinations have embraced the addition of par-3 courses, The Squeeze represents a more forward-thinking concept—one that captures the feel of “real golf” while maintaining the drama and playability of a short course.

With one par 5, three par 3’s, and six par 4’s, holes range from 100 yards to 550 yards. Architect Mike Nuzzo drew inspiration from some of the world’s most compelling drivable par 4s, creating a layout that blends strategy, risk-reward, and fun in equal measure.

Also designed by Mike Nuzzo, The Wedge is an 11-hole par-3 course that emphasizes creativity and shot-making, the elements many golfers crave. With no hole stretching beyond 110 yards, players can navigate the course with a limited set of clubs, placing a premium on precision and imagination.

The layout features large waste areas, dramatically contoured greens, and a variety of lies that keep each shot interesting. Perhaps its most distinctive feature, however, is the ability to play under the lights. Night golf is offered year-round, with tee times available into the evening, adding a unique and memorable dimension to the experience.

Cabot Citrus Farms elevates the amenity experience well beyond the golf course, offering a wide range of pre- and post-round activities designed for every type of guest. Preparation begins with exceptional practice facilities, including a nearly two-acre putting course and a double-ended driving range equipped with TrackMan technology. Comfort stations are strategically placed throughout your rounds and offer not only delicious refuel options, but four custom canned cocktails, each named after one of the property’s four courses to wash it down. The comfort stations were featured in links magazine.

Golf, however, is only part of the experience. On-property activities include archery, axe throwing, bass fishing, clay shooting, and racquet sports such as pickleball and tennis. Nature also plays a central role in the property’s identity. Bordering the Withlacoochee State Forest, Cabot Citrus Farms is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, making nature walks a featured part of the overall experience. With 600-plus acres of forest, plenty of trails for hiking and biking for anyone to enjoy.

Dining options seamlessly blend atmosphere with locally inspired cuisine. Whether it’s the relaxed yet refined setting of Grange Hall, handcrafted pizza enjoyed at The Porch, or Mexican street-style fare at Cantina 21, each venue is designed to complement the resort’s immersive feel.

The newly unveiled clubhouse and pro shop complete the experience, offering a curated selection of apparel and merchandise, including commemorative pieces that allow guests to take a part of one of golf’s most distinctive brands home with them.

The cottages at Cabot Citrus Farms are what truly set the property apart from other golf destinations. With nearly 40 cottages—primarily designed as two- and four-bedroom layouts—they create an atmosphere that naturally fosters a sense of community. Each cottage features thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor living spaces, fully equipped kitchens with premium appliances, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms for every bedroom.

Collectively, the cottages create the feel of a small, vibrant village within the resort. Evenings often bring live music and bonfires, adding a social element that extends well beyond the golf and enhances the overall experience of staying on property.

As the first Cabot property in the United States—and with convenient access to two major airports, Cabot Citrus Farms offers a destination that is both highly accessible and fully immersive. More than just a collection of courses, it delivers a complete experience that continues to evolve and improve. At its core, it is a place where world-class golf and a genuine sense of community come together.

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