News Summary
The Cabot Citrus Farms has officially opened its newest addition, the Roost golf course, just an hour north of Tampa. Designed by a team of four talented architects, Roost features 18 holes with innovative designs and challenging gameplay, including split-fairways and undulating greens. With plans for further amenities, this course is set to draw golfers looking for an exciting new challenge. Amidst the excitement, environmental concerns regarding proposed land exchanges are being discussed.
New Golf Course “Roost” at Cabot Citrus Farms Opens Its Doors to Enthusiastic Golfers
Golf lovers, rejoice! Cabot Citrus Farms has just unveiled its latest gem, the stunning Roost course, located just an hour north of Tampa. This beautiful new addition is sure to draw golf enthusiasts from near and far, offering a unique experience that blends creativity with challenging play.
Inspired Design and a Supergroup of Architects
Roost has been beautifully crafted on the site of the former World Woods Golf Club’s Rolling Oaks course. This impressive new course is the result of a collaboration among four talented architects, including lead designer Mike Nuzzo, Kyle Franz, Rod Whitman, and consultant Ran Morrissett. This creative team has been likened to a supergroup, akin to a rock band bringing their individual strengths to create a harmonious and complex design.
The design of Roost is reminiscent of Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound,” featuring wide fairways and greens that will truly test players’ skills. Imagine yourself navigating wide rolling fairways that beckon for a big drive, only to encounter clever bunkering dubbed the “Walls of Sand.” Each hole is crafted with elevation changes, presenting exhilarating downhill shots and challenging uphill approaches that will keep you on your toes.
A Course Full of Surprises
This spectacular 18-hole course boasts intricate elements that make each round feel unique. With six split-fairways, golfers will require strategic thinking to determine the best shot placement for success. Watch out for those tricky bunkers with their broad, shallow designs that can quickly turn your game upside down, especially ones with wood bulkheading for a rustic touch.
But that’s not all! The large, undulating greens have been designed to keep players guessing, especially when it comes to pin placement and speed. Currently, it takes about five hours for a group of four to complete a round, which can lead to concerns about pace, but the overall experience is proving worth it for many.
Examining the Critically Acclaimed Holes
Among the course’s numerous highlights, several holes have gained attention for their innovative design. The opening hole, a short par-4, features a blind approach that will have players second-guessing their skills right from the start. Not to be missed is the 9th hole, which is a dogleg-left par-5 offering sweeping views and a challenging approach to the green. The 11th hole is particularly interesting; it’s a three-shot par-5 leading to a bunkerless green, while the 13th requires navigational prowess around trees and a pond for that coveted shorter approach.
However, not all holes come without critique. The challenging 18th hole, with its multitude of bunkers and a semi-blind green, has been noted as potentially overwhelming for even the most seasoned golfers.
Stepping Up in Competition
Soon to fully open in January 2024, Roost aims to be compared favorably against the neighboring Karoo course. The folks at Cabot are excited about what Roost has to offer and have plans for further amenities in the area, including single-family homes and additional golf options.
Amid all the excitement, environmental concerns are bubbling to the surface regarding Cabot’s proposal to exchange state forest land for new golf holes in an effort that has sparked public debate. The impact on the Withlacoochee State Forest and broader conservation issues in Florida are being discussed among residents and enthusiasts alike.
Regardless of the ongoing debates, keep an eye on the new Roost course. For golf fans looking for a fresh challenge mixed with stunning design and thoughtful features, this course is poised to be a must-try on the golfing map!
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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
