News Summary
Golf enthusiasts can rejoice as the new golf course Roost opens at Cabot Citrus Farms, just north of Tampa. With its unique design, strategic layout, and breathtaking scenery, Roost promises an exhilarating golfing experience. The course features 18 holes crafted by a team of talented architects and includes exciting elements like split-fairways and challenging greens. Set to open in January 2024, Roost also faces scrutiny regarding environmental concerns tied to future developments. Local golfers eagerly await their chance to enjoy this golfing gem.
Welcome to Roost: A Golfer’s Paradise Awaits!
Exciting news for golf enthusiasts! A brand new golf course named Roost has made its debut at Cabot Citrus Farms, located just an hour north of Tampa. If you love hitting the greens, you’re in for a treat. Roost is set to challenge your golfing skills while providing an exhilarating experience amidst Florida’s beautiful landscape.
A Unique Design: Golf Meets Music
The course is designed with creativity in mind, making it reminiscent of Phil Spector’s acclaimed “Wall of Sound”. With large, inviting fairways and meticulously crafted greens, Roost seamlessly blends aesthetic beauty with strategic play. Built on what was once the Rolling Oaks course of World Woods Golf Club, this new layout offers golfers something truly special to enjoy.
Meet the Designers: A Dream Team
Roost isn’t just a typical course; it boasts a design that involves a collaboration akin to a “supergroup.” Four talented architects—Mike Nuzzo, Kyle Franz, Rod Whitman, and Ran Morrissett—have come together to create a golfing experience like no other. Their combined expertise shines through with each hole, ensuring that every golfer finds joy and challenge out on the course.
What to Expect on the Course
The course features a total of 18 holes, with six of them offering split-fairways, which means players will need to make strategic decisions on where to place their shots. Those aiming for a thrill will love the significant elevation changes that Roost has to offer, making for some exciting downhill shots and tricky uphill approaches. Golfers will also encounter various bunker shapes and designs as they strategize their plays—broad, shallow bunkers add texture to the course, while some exhibit an elaborate wood bulkheading.
Greens to Challenge Your Skills
Large, undulating, and quick, Roost’s greens are likely to keep even seasoned golfers on their toes! Players must think critically about pin placements as they navigate these challenging surfaces. However, the pace of play can now take around five hours for foursomes, raising questions about how green speed and pin placements will impact the joy of gameplay.
Hole Highlights: What’s Not to Miss?
Let’s talk about standout holes that players are excited about! The very first hole, a short par-4, offers a blind approach to a tilted green, setting the tone for the challenges to come. As players trek to the 9th hole, they’ll face a dogleg-left par-5 boasting expansive views and an intriguing approach. The 11th hole is a three-shot par-5 leading to a bunkerless green, making it a favorite. The 13th hole presents a dogleg-right challenge, urging players to navigate between trees and a pond to make the best approach. Finally, the 18th hole? Well, it’s got mixed reviews for being a bit too complex, designed with multiple bunkers and a semi-blind green that could frustrate players.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Environmental Concerns
As Roost gears up to fully open in January 2024, Cabot Citrus Farms is eyeing an expansion that includes single-family homes and additional golf offerings, raising the excitement around this budding golfing community. Many still cherish the resort’s Squeeze course, which features a fun collection of drivable par-4s. However, not all news is sunshine and rainbows. Environmental concerns have popped up regarding plans to exchange state forest land to build more golf holes, stirring public debate. The Withlacoochee State Forest is part of a larger conservation effort, making these discussions even more pertinent to local residents and conservationists.
Enjoy the Roost Experience!
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Roost promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with challenges and beautiful fairways. As the excitement builds leading to the grand opening, local golfing spirits are sure to be lifted. So gear up your clubs and prepare to enjoy this new gem at Cabot Citrus Farms!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pinehurst No. 10 Named Best New Course of 2024
Roost: A New Era in Golf Course Design in Brooksville, Florida
Additional Resources
- Golfpass: Cabot Citrus Farms Roost Course Review
- Golfweek: Cabot Citrus Farms Environmental Concerns
- Golf Digest: Cabot Citrus Farms Karoo Course Review
- New York Times: Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida
- Golf.com: 10 Things Learned at Golf Top 100 Summit
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Cabot Citrus Farms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Cabot Citrus Farms