Roost Golf Course Opens in Brooksville: A New Era of Golfing Excitement
Golf enthusiasts, get ready! Brooksville, Florida has just unveiled a stunning addition to its golfing landscape—the Roost golf course at Cabot Citrus Farms. Situated just an hour north of Tampa, this new course is *making quite a splash* with its extravagant design elements that are reminiscent of the boldness found in Phil Spector’s iconic music style.
A Collaborative Masterpiece
The Roost isn’t just any golf course; it’s the result of a superstar collaboration. Led by the talented Mike Nuzzo and with input from renowned architects Kyle Franz and Rod Whitman, along with consulting expertise from GOLF Magazine’s own Ran Morrissett, Roost has emerged as an *exciting fusion of ideas*. With four heavy-hitters in golf course design contributing to its creation, can you imagine the level of innovation we’re talking about?
Course Features that Wow
As you step onto Roost, you’re immediately met with a fairway that’s more *vibrant than a pop concert*. The course features significant elevation changes, which means you’ll enjoy exhilarating downhill tee shots that can send your ball soaring through the air. And don’t worry; there’s a good mix of challenges waiting for you as well, from tricky uphill shots that can leave you scratching your head to *strategically placed bunkers* that could get in the way of a smooth game.
Let’s talk about the bunkering, which might be better described as a *“Wall of Sand.”* The initial holes serve as a warm-up, with eye-catching split fairways and varied bunker styles that can make even seasoned players second-guess their next move. It’s a heady mix of wide-open space and carefully positioned sandy traps that *keep your mind racing* as you play.
The Greens: Fast and Fearsome
And then, we arrive at the putting surfaces. If you think the bunkers are challenging, wait till you hit the greens! With their impressive size and undulating designs, the greens at Roost are not for the faint-hearted. Just get ready for some heart-pounding moments, especially if the *speed of the greens* is at its peak. Think slick and sneaky; your ball can roll back on you when you least expect it. On one particular day, a hole on the 18th seemed almost like a cruel joke; if your ball rolled just a bit too far, it could slide back an eye-watering eight feet!
A Balancing Act of Fun and Frustration
It’s clear that Roost is trying to be *everything for everyone*, but it might still have some kinks to work out. For instance, reports of slow play—up to five hours for a four-person group—could leave some golfers feeling *a bit stretched thin*. The combination of fast greens and tricky hole locations might just need a little tinkering for a smoother experience.
Standout Holes to Look Forward To
Let’s dive into some noteworthy holes that showcase what Roost has to offer. The opening par-4 presents a blind green that sets the tone nicely. Then there’s the par-5 ninth, which opens up views that will take your breath away. With old live oaks watching over you and a lake lurking nearby, it’s all about finding your balance to avoid disaster. There’s also the unique 13th, a dogleg that challenges players to squeeze their tee shots between a live oak and a pond—talk about a nail-biter!
What’s Next for Cabot Citrus Farms?
As Roost prepares for its full opening in January, there’s a good chance it will become the premier destination among Cabot Citrus Farms’ offerings. Current reviews suggest that if you had ten rounds to choose, you might end up playing more on Roost than its cousin, Karoo. What’s intriguing is that the best single golf experience might actually lie in the Squeeze, a nine-hole course designed for maximum fun with drivable par-4s.
With plans for more overnight accommodations, golf homes, and additional features, this *happening* golf locale is just getting started. Whether Cabot Citrus Farms decides to implement another “Wall of Sand” or take things in a different direction, we can’t wait to see what’s next on the horizon!