There are certain golf trips that transcend the game itself. Recently, I had the privilege of spending a weekend at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville, Florida, reconnecting with seven of my old college teammates. Some of us hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years, making this gathering about far more than just golf – though the golf certainly didn’t disappoint.
Getting There:
Cabot Citrus Farms sits approximately 80 miles from Orlando – roughly an hour and 20 minutes’ drive through central Florida. We made the journey from Orlando, and the landscape gradually transforms as you head towards Florida’s Nature Coast. The resort is genuinely tucked away in what locals call “the sticks” – former pastures that once hosted cattle farms and grazing horses, now reimagined as one of America’s most exciting new golf destinations.
The Citrus Connection:
The property’s name reflects its agricultural heritage. This region of central-west Florida was historically citrus farming country, and Cabot has honoured that legacy whilst creating something entirely fresh. Set across 1,200 acres of pristine natural beauty, the resort showcases dramatic elevation changes – something you genuinely don’t expect in Florida – along with sandy soil, rolling hills, towering sand pines, palmetto trees, and century-old oak trees draped in enchanting Spanish moss.
This is Cabot’s first American property, transformed from the former World Woods Golf Club that originally opened in 1991 with two Tom Fazio-designed courses. Cabot CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar pursued this property for years, finally acquiring it in 2022 and embarking on an ambitious transformation that’s resulted in four distinct golf experiences.
Day One - Karoo:
Our first round took us to Karoo, an 18-hole layout designed by Kyle Franz that epitomises what Cabot calls “adventure golf.” The name comes from the sandhill cranes that frequent the area, and the course itself represents something truly unique for Florida golf.
What immediately strikes you about Karoo is the sheer openness off the tee. The fairways are genuinely wide – some exceeding 100 yards – giving you the confidence to open your shoulders and give the driver a proper whack. Many holes feature split fairways, offering multiple routes to the green and rewarding strategic thinking over pure distance.
The rolling hills provide something rarely found in Florida golf. You’re not playing on flat, monotonous terrain – there’s genuine elevation change and variety throughout the round. The landscape feels more reminiscent of the Carolinas than typical Florida resort golf, with the sandy waste areas and native vegetation creating a rugged, natural aesthetic.
However, where Karoo truly shows its teeth is around the greens. The putting surfaces are enormous – genuine lily pads perched atop the undulating terrain – with massive run-off areas surrounding them. If your short game isn’t sharp, you’ll find yourself watching balls roll back to your feet if the execution isn’t spot-on. Some of my friends discovered this the hard way, but it made for brilliant entertainment and friendly competition throughout the day.
The course rewards creativity and demands thought. Those huge greens mean finding the correct section is crucial – land on the wrong tier and you’re facing a treacherous three-putt. The wide fairways might suggest an easy ride, but the real challenge lies in the approach play and short game.
Day Two - The Roost:
The following day brought an entirely different experience on The Roost. Several people have compared this course to Pinehurst in North Carolina, and I can absolutely understand why. The design philosophy here is distinctly different from Karoo’s wide-open approach.
The Roost features a more rustic, minimalist aesthetic. Waste bunkers and strategically placed sand dominate the landscape rather than dense tree-lined corridors. Fewer trees mean the bunkering becomes the primary defence, wrapping around fairways and greens with thoughtful precision. The fairways are noticeably narrower than Karoo, demanding more accuracy from the tee whilst those expansive waste areas penalise wayward shots.
Named after the wild Osceola turkeys that roost throughout the property, The Roost showcases 50-foot elevation changes and even features a dramatic 40-foot sinkhole worked into the design. The moss-draped oaks are complemented by flowering dogwoods and native wildflowers, creating a truly picturesque setting.
The greens here are equally massive, and finding the wrong side of the pin leaves you with genuinely difficult putts. Distance control on approaches becomes paramount – you’re not just trying to find the green, you’re trying to find the correct quadrant.
The Social Experience:
One of Cabot Citrus Farms’ most brilliant features is the halfway hut concept. Whilst it’s called a “halfway” hut, we managed to access it after the first hole, and you’ll likely encounter it four or five times during your round. For a group of old friends catching up and having fun, this was absolutely perfect. Hot dogs, drinks, and the opportunity to refresh without breaking the rhythm of the round.
My drink of choice throughout the day was a Bloody Mary – perfectly executed and ideal for keeping energy levels up whilst enjoying the sunshine and banter. The hut adds a social dimension to the golf that enhances the entire experience, particularly when you’re playing with a group.
Evening at the Clubhouse:
The evenings at Cabot Citrus Farms are equally impressive. The clubhouse offers multiple gathering spaces, including outdoor seating around fires – a wonderful spot to recap the day’s round whilst enjoying excellent food and hospitality. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with people genuinely enjoying themselves.
Music plays throughout the short game practice areas and range, creating an upbeat ambience. At the top of the property, there’s a pizza area featuring a wood-fired oven – The Porch – which serves exceptional food in a casual setting. The combination of great food, outdoor fires, and quality company made our evenings just as memorable as the golf itself.
The Squeeze and The Wedge:
Beyond the two championship 18-hole courses, Cabot offers additional golf experiences. The Squeeze is a narrow 10-hole course that some caddies claim might be the best golf on the property. We didn’t play this during our visit, but it’s on the list for next time.
The Wedge, however, we did experience. This 11-hole par-3 course is floodlit for evening play, featuring holes ranging from 70 to 108 yards. It’s essentially wedges and putter – hence the name – designed to sharpen your short game in a fun, competitive environment.
Four of us ventured out for an evening round on The Wedge, and it was brilliant fun. The floodlighting transforms the experience, and the course features some of the property’s most interesting design elements, including dramatic slopes, varied lies, and significant elevation changes. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day, settle a few bets, or simply work on those scoring shots in an entertaining setting.
The Walking Experience:
Cabot Citrus Farms operates as a walking-only facility (with medical exemptions available). We didn’t see any buggies out on the courses during our stay. Caddies are available and optional on the main courses, though not permitted on The Squeeze or The Wedge.
This walking emphasis is deliberate – it slows the pace, encourages engagement with the natural environment, and creates a more traditional golf experience. For our group, it was perfect. Walking together, chatting between shots, and truly immersing ourselves in the experience rather than rushing from shot to shot in carts.
Who Should Visit?
Cabot Citrus Farms presents itself as an ideal destination for groups of friends seeking a genuine golf adventure. The variety across the four courses means you can play 56 holes without any sense of repetition. The quality of the golf is exceptional, but it’s the overall experience – the social atmosphere, the variety, the emphasis on enjoyment over pure difficulty – that makes it special.
The courses reward good golf without punishing recreational players to the point of frustration. Yes, Karoo’s green complexes can be treacherous, and The Roost’s bunkering demands respect, but the wide fairways and multiple playing options mean you’re rarely facing impossible recovery shots. It’s golf designed to be fun whilst still challenging accomplished players.
For groups like ours – old friends reconnecting over a shared love of the game – Cabot Citrus Farms provided the perfect setting. The variety of courses kept things interesting, the social amenities encouraged camaraderie, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed yet refined.
Accommodation and Amenities:
The property offers luxury two- and four-bedroom cottages for rental, positioned conveniently throughout the resort. While we didn’t stay on-site during our visit, the accommodations appear excellent and would certainly enhance the overall experience by keeping the group together and minimising travel time.
Beyond golf, the property offers activities including archery, clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing, and fishing. There’s a sport club, tennis and pickleball courts, with a pool and racquet club in development. The practice facilities are world-class, featuring a TrackMan range that operates from both ends and a nearly two-acre putting course.
Final Thoughts:
Cabot Citrus Farms represents a refreshing approach to Florida golf. Rather than the typical water-lined resort development, this property embraces its natural terrain, celebrates the unique topography, and creates a golf experience unlike anything else in the Sunshine State.
For our weekend reunion, it provided the perfect backdrop. The golf was excellent, varied, and engaging. The social atmosphere encouraged conversation and connection. The overall vibe was relaxed yet refined – exactly what you want when old friends gather to catch up and enjoy the game.
Whether you’re planning a buddies trip, a family golf vacation, or simply seeking a different Florida golf experience, Cabot Citrus Farms deserves serious consideration. It’s not about pristine resort perfection – it’s about adventure, variety, and genuine enjoyment of the game in a spectacular natural setting.
As I look back on our weekend, the specific shots and scores fade whilst the laughter, stories, and shared experiences remain vivid. That’s exactly what golf should be about, and Cabot Citrus Farms created the perfect environment for it.
Practical Information:
- Location: Brooksville, Florida (approximately 80 miles/1 hour 20 minutes from Orlando)
- Courses: Karoo (18 holes), The Roost (18 holes), The Squeeze (10 holes), The Wedge (11-hole par-3, floodlit)
- Playing Policy: Walking only (medical exemptions available)
- Caddies: Available and optional on main courses
- Website: [cabot.com/citrusfarms](https://cabot.com/citrusfarms)
Article by Dan Hendriksen | Locker Room Golf