Citrus Farms is Cabot’s first U.S-based property.
Zephyr Melton
Welcome to our “Where I Played” sequence, the place a GOLF staffer runs via a current day at a course you may play in your future. On this event, we’re teeing it up at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville, Fla.
Typically an after-hours textual content out of your boss can solely imply dangerous information, however this time was completely different.
Any curiosity in a visit to Cabot’s new properties? Should be one.
It was the simplest “yes” I’ve uttered since taking this job. Checking out elite programs is a perk of the gig, however some journeys are extra particular than others. This one had that ring.
I’d by no means been to a Cabot property earlier than, however the lore of the model’s first location, in Nova Scotia, looms giant within the sport. Two world-class programs, on beautiful (and distant) coastal land within the former fishing village of Cape Breton. A spot the place the largest determination daily is whether or not to play 18 or 36. A vacation spot for true golf sickos.
In the 12 years for the reason that first course at Cape Breton opened, Cabot has expanded its footprint, which now extends from Scotland to St. Lucia and into Western Canada, the place Cabot Revelstoke within the works. Citrus Farms, Cabot’s first vacation spot within the United States, is slated for a grand opening in October (with restricted preview play within the meantime), with two 18-hole programs, a 10-hole government course and an 11-hole quick course
I acquired the possibility to test it out final month, and right here had been a couple of of my favourite issues concerning the property.
Dialed-in services
I’m not a lot one for a warmup. Some of that may be attributed to poor time administration. But it’s additionally private desire. I’m usually the one who reveals up 5 minutes beforehand, rolls a couple of putts and walks to the first tee. Beating balls on the vary for an hour has by no means been my vibe.
However, with a facility just like the one at Citrus Farms, I may think about altering my methods. Each station is outfitted with a launch monitor, so getting your numbers with each membership is a breeze. No want for guesswork in your carry distances in a brand new setting. You can dial in all the things earlier than you tee off.
If you’re extra of a short-game wizard, you’ll be happy as properly. Citrus Farms has a large, undulating placing inexperienced (suppose St. Andrews’ Himalayas or Pinehurst’s Thistle Dhu) subsequent to the vary. It’s the right place to clean out your stroke earlier than hitting the course, or settle a guess along with your buddies on the finish of the day.
Kyle Franz masterpiece
I’ve had the privilege of taking part in a Kyle Franz-restored course (Pine Needles) alongside the person himself, however till visiting Citrus Farms, I’d by no means performed one of his authentic designs. Walking off The Karoo after 18 holes, I suppose I have a brand new favourite up to date course architect.
The course has a rugged really feel with diversified routing. Standing on most tees, you may simply envision a range of pathways to the opening. Just don’t get too far off observe — the sand dunes that line the beneficiant fairways aren’t simple to flee.
Courtesy of Cabot Citrus Farms
With large (and I imply large) inexperienced complexes, plus tons of tight-mown areas across the placing surfaces, getting a putter in your fingers on most holes is not tough. It’s getting the ball within the gap that takes actual talent. These greens are as daring as they arrive. Some appear to be three greens in a single, and the placement of the pin dictates which third you’ll play to.
Karoo received’t beat you into submission. It’s large, with ample leeway for errant pictures, and never exceedingly lengthy. Birdies might be had, however Franz’s design poses compelling questions, and the solutions name for creativity. Walking off the course, you’re positive to yearn for one more crack at it.
Laid-back ambiance
Parts of Citrus Farms are nonetheless underneath development, however it’s simple to think about how the completed product will really feel.
Quaint cottages again as much as the apply vary and placing greens, and food-and-beverage facilities are being constructed on the hilltop simply past. Speakers will pump tunes all through the day, and Adirondack chairs are scattered about to present your ft a relaxation when wanted. And parts of the property are outfitted with large floodlights so you may scratch your late-night golf itch.
It’s simple to see the imaginative and prescient the Cabot crew has got down to fulfill. I can’t wait to get again as soon as all the things is completed.
Mike Nuzzo ingenuity
After we performed The Karoo, we hadn’t fairly had our fill of golf for the day. Luckily, Citrus Farms has simply the answer.
Tucked within the southwest nook of the property are two quick programs, each bursting with persona. We didn’t get to play The Wedge, an 11-hole par-3 course that’s illuminated at night time, however we did play The Squeeze, a 10-hole government course designed by Mike Nuzzo.
Courtesy Cabot Citrus Farms
Executive programs typically get a foul rap, however The Squeeze is as enjoyable as they arrive. The holes vary from 100 yards to 550 yards, and Nuzzo made probably the most out of each yard.
Want the possibility to drive the inexperienced and make eagle? The Squeeze has you coated. A fan of pint-sized par 3s? It has that as properly. Want a three-shot par 5? You’re in luck.
The Squeeze begs you to drag off the hero shot, and it provides you an opportunity to do this time and time once more. If you’re aiming to hit a shot price speaking about on the nineteenth gap, it’s a should.
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