New Golf Course Roost Opens at Cabot Citrus Farms

News Summary

Cabot Citrus Farms has opened its new golf course, Roost, located an hour north of Tampa. Designed by a team of four talented architects, Roost features wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and strategically challenging holes. The course is situated on the former World Woods Golf Club’s Rolling Oaks grounds and aims to offer golfers a unique and fun experience. With plans for expansion and amenities, Roost is set to become a standout in Florida’s golf scene, attracting both players and nature enthusiasts.

New Golf Course Roost Opens at Cabot Citrus Farms

Golf enthusiasts, rejoice! Cabot Citrus Farms has officially unveiled its much-anticipated new golf course called Roost, just an hour north of Tampa. This exciting addition is expected to put a spin on your golfing experience, blending challenge with some good ol’ fun!

A Designer Dream Team

What makes Roost particularly special is its design, reflecting an innovative style reminiscent of Phil Spector’s famous “Wall of Sound.” It’s a collaboratively designed masterpiece by a supergroup of four talented architects: the lead designer Mike Nuzzo, along with Kyle Franz, Rod Whitman, and Ran Morrissett. Each of their contributions is celebrated on the scorecard, giving fans a sense of the multiple influences behind this exceptional course.

A Blast from the Past

Roost has found its home on the grounds of the former World Woods Golf Club’s Rolling Oaks course. It’s a brand-new take on an old favorite, featuring stunning wide fairways and engaging green designs that keep players on their toes. Fairways are intricately shaped, complemented by head-turning bunkers, charmingly dubbed “Walls of Sand,” making this course a visual treat.

Epic Elevation Changes

Golfers will be thrilled with the dramatic elevation changes throughout the course. Get ready for breathtaking downhill shots and challenging uphill approaches! Roost boasts a total of 18 holes, including six with split-fairways, adding a layer of strategy not to be missed!

Accept the Challenge

Every golfer knows that shot placement is key. Roost ups the ante with a variety of challenging bunker shapes. Some bunkers are broad and shallow, while others feature classic wood bulkheading. And if you think the greens are just ordinary, think again! They’re designed to be large, undulating, and quick, presenting unique challenges depending on pin placement.

Pace of Play Concerns

Currently, the pace of play on Roost hovers around five hours for a group of four. There are whispers of concern among players about how green speed and pin placement might impact their enjoyment. After all, golfers are in it for both the challenge and the fun!

Signature Holes to Look Out For

There are some standout holes at Roost that deserve special mention:

• The opening hole is a charming short par-4 that challenges players with a thrilling blind approach to a tilted green.
• The 9th hole, a dogleg-left par-5, offers expansive views and a tricky approach to the green.
• The 11th hole is a three-shot par-5 that leads to a bunkerless green, providing a refreshing touch.
• The 13th hole dares players to navigate a dogleg-right amidst trees and a pond for a short approach.

However, the 18th hole raises eyebrows due to its intricate design with multiple bunkers and a semi-blind green that might frustrate some players at the finish line. Like it or not, it adds to the drama!

Ambitious Plans Ahead

Roost aims to surpass the neighboring Karoo course in reputation and challenge. The complete opening is slated for January 2024, and golfers can’t wait! But that’s not all – Cabot Citrus Farms has bigger visions, announcing plans to expand with additional amenities, including single-family homes and even more golf options.

Controversies Surrounding Expansion

However, while excitement brews, so do environmental concerns regarding Cabot’s proposal to trade state forest land for additional golfing space. This has sparked public debate, especially given the interconnected conservation issues surrounding the Withlacoochee State Forest in Florida.

The future looks bright for Cabot Citrus Farms and its new Roost golf course. As it prepares to roll out more attractions, it’ll be interesting to see how both golfers and nature enthusiasts respond.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Pinehurst No. 10 Named Best New Course of 2024
The Allure of Florida’s Public Golf Courses
Brooksville, Fla. Welcomes Roost: 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