Cabot Citrus Farms: Reviving World Woods into a Premier Golf Destination
Explore how World Woods has evolved into Cabot Citrus Farms, a premier golf destination near Tampa. The Karoo course by Kyle Franz, alternative layouts like The Wedge and The Squeeze, and stunning natural landscapes create a thrilling golfing experience.
Cabot Citrus Farms: Reviving the Legacy of World Woods
Golf enthusiasts are abuzz with the transformation of the once-struggling World Woods into the captivating Cabot Citrus Farms. Situated just an hour from Tampa, this property has undergone a remarkable rejuvenation under the ownership of Cabot, one of North America’s premier golf resort companies.
Opened in 1993 during a golf boom, World Woods had all the makings of a destination course, with acclaimed designer Tom Fazio creating two standout tracks, Pine Barrens and Rolling Woods. The courses, reminiscent of the South Carolina Lowcountry, drew acclaim, with Pine Barrens ranked the 66th-best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine by 1995.
“The transformation of the once-struggling World Woods into this captivating new resort is a testament to the power of vision and commitment in the world of golf.”
However, the location’s remoteness and the owner’s inability to fully realize the planned development hindered World Woods’ long-term success. The 2008 recession and the opening of Streamsong nearby further eroded its status as a must-play destination.
Cabot’s Revitalization Efforts
Enter Cabot, which saw the potential in this property and acquired the 2,000-acre site, determined to breathe new life into the golfing experience. The result is Citrus Farms, a captivating layout centered around the Kyle Franz-designed course, The Karoo.
The Karoo, occupying much of the former Pine Barrens footprint, showcases Franz’s bold vision. Thousands of pine trees were removed, creating a wide-open, wind-swept landscape dotted with waste areas and minimal water hazards. The course’s distinctive green complexes, ranging from the eminently playable to the delightfully zany, provide a thrilling challenge.
Complementary Golf Offerings
Complementing the signature course are The Wedge, an 11-hole, par-3 layout lit for night play, and The Squeeze, a nine-hole companion experience. These alternative golf options cater to a diverse range of players, from the elite to the casual enthusiast.
With the infrastructure and amenities now in place, Cabot Citrus Farms is poised to become a premier golf destination, blending the region’s natural beauty with thoughtfully designed, bold golf experiences.
🔗 Source
