Brooksville, Fla.: A New Era of Golf Courses
Golf fans in Brooksville, get ready to buckle up! There’s a buzz in the air about a brand-new golf course that’s stirred up excitement. Welcome to Roost, the latest addition to the Cabot Citrus Farms, located just an hour north of Tampa. It’s not just any golf course; it’s a stunning collaboration between four design experts, making it something special. Think of it like a musical supergroup, and this course aims to hit all the right notes!
The Supergroup of Golf Design
Leading the way in this design jam session is Mike Nuzzo, with support from his talented friends: Kyle Franz, Rod Whitman, and Ran Morrissett. This powerhouse team has crafted a course that features lush fairways, exciting greens, and inventive bunkering to keep even the most seasoned players on their toes.
The design philosophy they’ve employed mirrors that of iconic music producer Phil Spector, known for his “Wall of Sound” style. Roost aims to create a unique experience, layering challenges and visual splendors over its 18 holes. While the neighboring Karoo course is known for its intensity, Roost finds a sweet spot—sometimes cranking the volume up high with tricky holes while still allowing the players moments to catch their breath. It’s all about balance, folks!
Terrain and Challenges
Now, let’s talk about the layout. Roost is built on the former World Woods Golf Club’s Rolling Oaks course, which has some of the most engaging terrain around. This golf course boasts a mixture of exhilarating downhill tee shots and sharp uphill approaches that will have you thinking twice about your club choices. Watch out for those semi-blind shots too, because they can surprise even the best!
From the very first hole, players will encounter split-fairways and playful challenges. Want to turn a birdie into a bogey? No problem! The course’s tricky designs entice players to swing hard, only to be met with cleverly placed sand traps that could ruin your day.
Greens That Keep You on Your Toes
What’s a golf course without testing putting skills? The greens at Roost are large and undulating, designed to keep players guessing while putting. Players on the day of a review discovered just how slick and quick these greens can be, leading to some surprising outcomes. Missed that putt? Get ready, because the ball just might roll back on you!
And let’s not forget about the pace of play—rumor has it that foursomes are pacing at almost five hours! While the course is still young and its team is fine-tuning the greens, that’s something to consider for folks eager to hit the links.
Highlights and Signature Holes
As we wander through Roost, a few holes truly stand out. The opening par-4 is a charming little introduction, complete with a blind shot to the green. And how about the par-5 9th hole? It stretches out under centuries-old live oaks and offers jaw-dropping views as players glide downhill toward the green. The beauty doesn’t stop there—the 11th and 13th holes offer more excitement without overwhelming golfers. Just what you need to relax a bit before facing the tougher challenges ahead.
Looking Ahead
Even if the 18th hole packs a punch and may leave golfers with some lingering frustration due to its uphill nature and near “Plinko” tee shot, Roost promises to be an impressive course that offers excitement and an engaging experience. When it officially opens next January, it aims to outshine even the celebrated Karoo course.
So, golfers in Brooksville and beyond, prepare yourselves for more than just a round of golf; prepare for an adventure! With more features and accommodations in the pipeline, the buzz surrounding Cabot Citrus Farms is only going to grow. Will their next golf course be another layered masterpiece or an unexpected surprise? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the golf world is watching closely!
