Cabot Citrus Farms Introduces New Golf Course ‘Roost’

News Summary

Cabot Citrus Farms has unveiled its new golf course, Roost, just north of Tampa, offering a challenging experience and stunning views for golfers. Designed by a talented team of architects, the course features unique elements inspired by musical legends, including extensive elevation changes, split-fairways, and intricate bunkers. Set to officially open in January 2024, Roost promises to be a top destination for golf enthusiasts, while also igniting discussions on conservation and development in the area.

Cabot Citrus Farms Unveils Exciting New Golf Course “Roost”

Golf enthusiasts, get ready! Just an hour north of Tampa, the Cabot Citrus Farms has rolled out the red carpet for its latest addition—the brand new Roost golf course. This stunning course is all set to provide both majestic views and a challenging experience for players of all skill levels.

A Unique Design Inspired by Musical Legends

Here’s something interesting: the course’s design is likened to Phil Spector’s famous “Wall of Sound.” Instead of just straightforward fairways, Roost offers extensive, winding paths, beautifully designed to push golfers to their limits. Formerly known as the Rolling Oaks course at the World Woods Golf Club, Roost has undergone a major transformation, thanks to the collaborative genius of four talented course architects: Mike Nuzzo, Kyle Franz, Rod Whitman, and Ran Morrissett. With all their names featured on the scorecard, this course can be considered a supergroup in the golf world.

A Course of Contrasts and Challenges

Roost is packed with features that are sure to impress. From large fairway corridors to cleverly designed bunkering—dubbed as “Walls of Sand”—and intricate mounds, there’s no shortage of excitement here! One of the standout elements is the significant elevation changes, which lead to thrilling downhill shots and daunting uphill approaches that can make or break a player’s score. The 18-hole course boasts six split-fairways, offering players strategic decisions at almost every turn.

But don’t be fooled! While the course is designed to be enjoyed, it doesn’t shy away from challenging players with tricky shot placements due to various bunker shapes and sizes. Some bunkers even feature wood bulkheading, adding a touch of uniqueness. Those greens? They’re not just large; they’re also undulating and quick, creating a challenging dynamic when it comes to pin placements.

Dialing in the Game: Pace of Play Concerns

Pace of play has become a hot topic, with current rounds for foursomes clocking in at around five hours. Concerns have been raised regarding how the speed of the greens and pin placements might affect enjoyment, but for true golf lovers, a challenge is often part of the fun!

Highlighting Key Holes

Every course has its signature holes, and Roost is no exception. Some of the best-kept secrets on the course include:

• The opening hole: This short par-4 features a blind approach to a tilted green, setting the tone for the challenges ahead.
• The 9th hole: A dogleg-left par-5 that grants expansive views while positioning players for a tricky approach.
• The 11th hole: A three-shot par-5 that leads to a bunkerless green, perfect for strategizing your game plan.
• The 13th hole: A dogleg-right, which requires players to navigate between trees and a pond for a shorter approach.

However, the 18th hole might raise a few eyebrows with its complex layout and daunting challenges, complete with multiple bunkers and a semi-blind green, possibly turning triumph into frustration.

Future Plans for Cabot Citrus Farms

As excitement builds around Roost, Cabot Citrus Farms has big dreams for the future. The course is expected to officially open in January 2024, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The farms also aim to expand amenities, including the addition of single-family homes and more golf offerings, promising a comprehensive experience for visitors.

Meanwhile, the existing Squeeze course is already drawing golf lovers with its drivable par 4s, while plans for Roost are garnering attention from not just players but also conservationists. The proposal to exchange state forest land for additional golf holes has stirred up public debate, raising questions around conservation and public land protections in the area.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a pro or a weekend warrior, Roost at Cabot Citrus Farms is shaping up to be a golfing destination that’s hard to resist. With its blend of challenge and beauty, it’s a course that aims to become a star in the golfing world. So grab your clubs, and keep an eye out for the grand opening—you won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind golfing adventure!

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HERE Resources

Pinehurst No. 10 Claims Title of Best New Course of 2024
Golf Delight: Florida’s Best Public Courses Await
Roost Course Opens at Cabot Citrus Farms: A New Golf Experience

Additional Resources

• Golfpass: Cabot Citrus Farms Roost Course Review
• Golfweek: Cabot Citrus Farms Environmental Concerns
• Golf Digest: Cabot Citrus Farms Karoo Course Review
• New York Times: Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida
• Golf.com: 10 Things Learned at Golf Top 100 Summit
• Wikipedia: Golf
• Google Search: Cabot Citrus Farms
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
• Google News: Cabot Citrus Farms