The Arrival at Cabot Citrus Farms
From whispers in clubhouses to stunning images in golf magazines, the legend of Cabot Citrus Farms had reached me long before I set foot on its pristine fairways. Now, standing at its grand entrance, I was about to experience firsthand why this Florida golf haven is already being hailed as one of the finest in the game. I had heard about the new setup in the middle of Florida—Cabot Citrus Farms—through golf news, online articles, and even a message from the highest authority within the Sunshine State. The classiness of the entrance, complete with security, made me feel like I was entering an exclusive oasis. The attention to detail from the moment I arrived set the tone for what would be a top-notch golfing experience, one that I knew would only get better with time.
The Truman Show Experience
The first thing that caught my eye were the mini houses used to accommodate golfers who had booked an overnight experience. To me, it looked like a mini version of "The Truman Show" village, and I half-expected someone to pop out the front door and utter the greeting, "In case I don’t see you on the golf course, good afternoon, good evening, and good night." Perfectly manicured lawns, slate-roofed cottages, and white picket fences created an atmosphere of tranquility. I wondered what it would be like when the lights were low and the guests had been on the bevvy all afternoon, but even then, it was clear that this aspect of the resort had been meticulously planned to provide guests with comfort and luxury. It was a perfect blend of charm and sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay.
The Karoo Curse: A Masterpiece of Design
I was booked to play on the Karoo Curse, so named after the call of the Sandhill Cranes that populate the course, which supposedly sounds like a "Kaaarrooooo." As I stepped onto the first tee, I was once again impressed by the design and planning that had gone into the development and design. Once known as the Pine Barrens course within the World Woods complex, it was acquired by Cabot just a few short years ago. Most of the trees have been removed, the fairways widened to make it very forgiving, and the landscape before me looked sculpted with lots of burrows and hills. The fairways, designed by Kyle Franz, were a work of art—so immaculately maintained that it was often difficult to distinguish them from the greens. This blurring of lines between fairway and green added an extra layer of complexity to the game, challenging my fairly iffy perception and decision-making.
Risk and Reward: The Heart of the Karoo Course
The fairways of Karoo are a golfer’s dream, offering multiple routes to the pins and encouraging creative play. As I made my way through the course, I found myself constantly weighing risk and reward, considering various approaches to each hole. The wide fairways provided a sense of freedom, but the strategic placement of bunkers and waste areas demanded precision and thoughtful shot-making. If the fairways were a canvas, the greens were a complex novel—intricate, challenging, and open to interpretation. Reading these greens required intense concentration and a willingness to expect the unexpected, which in the end became the expected. The contours were bold and bewildering, with slopes that could make or break a round. The speed of the greens added another dimension to the challenge. Downhill putts were lightning fast, requiring the lightest of touches and a steady nerve. Conversely, uphill putts were slow, demanding a firm stroke and fingers crossed on the line. This contrast in speed, combined with the intricate contours, made every putt a voyage of discovery. Thank goodness for the knowledgeable caddies who provided valuable insights, from reading the greens to suggesting the best lines of approach on the deceptive fairways. Their expertise, local knowledge, and banter added an extra layer of enjoyment to the round.
Beyond the Course: Top-Notch Amenities
Beyond the course itself, the amenities at Cabot Citrus Farms were top-notch. The practice facility, equipped with Trackman technology, was a golfer’s paradise, allowing for precise warm-up and analysis. The practice area also featured a pizza and bourbon bar for refreshment, making it the perfect place to prepare for a round. In addition to the Karoo Course, Cabot Citrus Farms has another eighteen-hole setup called the Roost, which has much more sand and looks like but doesn’t play like a links course. The Wedge offers nine holes of par 3 distance, and the Squeeze provides ten holes varying from a short par 3 up to a 550-yard par 5. Plans are afoot to add to this array of courses, making the choice as wide as possible and the lure of a long stay even stronger. As I understood it, the variety of courses was designed to cater to different skill levels and preferences, ensuring that every golfer would find something to enjoy.
The Complete Experience: A Golfing Haven
As the day progressed, I found myself impressed not just with the golf but with the entire Cabot Citrus Farms experience. The superb service was evident at every turn, from the attentive staff to the well-maintained facilities. It was clear that no detail had been overlooked in creating this golfing haven. The combination of world-class golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch amenities made it the perfect location for a group golf trip at the top end of the market. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, Cabot Citrus Farms offers an experience that is both memorable and unparalleled, setting a new standard for golf resorts in the Sunshine State.
