January, 10th 2022
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – It has been announced by Cabot Golf, led by co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar (developer of Cabot Cape Breton Resort in Nova Scotia) the purchase of the 1200 acre property known the past three decades as World Woods in Brooksville, Florida. The renovation of the courses and property will be known going forward as Cabot Citrus Farms. CCF is Cowan-Dewar’s first golf destination acquisition on U.S soil (Cabot’s most recent project, Cabot Saint Lucia opens in ’23).
World Woods Golf Club and its two Tom Fazio designs Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks was the designer’s homage to Pine Valley and Augusta National respectively. The entire parcel is characterized by rolling sandy terrain, mature Florida Slash Pines, and the splendor of majestic Spanish Moss-draped Live Oaks. At the present, a shortlist of design firms are in the running to take the two courses to the next level. Although not confirmed, it’s believed that original architect Tom Fazio is not on that list.
Cowan-Dewar like many other golf design enthusiasts had long been a fan of the property and knew of its potential, eyeing the possible opportunity to acquire the property since 2015. “The topography, the beautiful mossy oaks, the sandy soil, it had all of those ingredients in spades. I loved the place. I loved the people. It is such a beautiful piece of nature, it’s close to a couple of very major population bases and airports and yet, when you’re there, you’re really, truly connected to nature,” BCD said. Expect the new iteration to focus on walking, which is not very common in the Sunshine State golf market, but it’s a culture that Cowan-Dewar and his mentor Mike Keiser believe is the ethos for the enjoyment of the game.
Cabot Citrus Farms aims to become the renowned destination it always had the potential to be when it was created 30 years ago as World Woods. A new must-play nature escape just 70 miles north of Tampa that will bring a Sand Valley, Bandon, Gamble Sands, Forest Dunes type of experience that is likely to rival Streamsong as the best in Florida. Word of a possible new course in the future is there with nearly six hundred untouched acres included in the sale.
Golf on the Florida peninsula has recently seen a significant uptick in quality golf projects promoting sustainability, walking and firm and fast turf conditions. Cabot Citrus Farms may end up as the crown jewel of them all. Stay tuned for updates . . .
