Brooksville, Fla.: A New Sound in Golf Course Design
Golf lovers, buckle up! The golf course design scene in Brooksville, Florida, is experiencing some serious action with the introduction of Roost, the latest addition to Cabot Citrus Farms. This isn’t just another golf course; it’s a bold statement in an era where golf courses are becoming more like best-selling albums—layered, complex, and sometimes a bit overwhelming!
The Phil Spector of Golf Courses
If you’ve ever heard of Phil Spector, you probably know he was a music producer known for his “Wall of Sound” technique, cramming a ton of instruments and voices into one piece of music. Well, it seems golf course designers are taking a page from his playbook! These new places are all about going big and loud, creating unforgettable experiences for golfers. Just like Spector’s music, Roost has its own “Wall of Sand,” with stunning fairways and daring greens that challenge golfers to think twice before taking their swings.
A Collaborative Effort Like No Other
Roost isn’t just designed by one person; it’s a supergroup of golf course architects! Mike Nuzzo leads the design, bringing in insights from Kyle Franz, Rod Whitman, and GOLF Magazine’s own Ran Morrissett. This four-person dream team mixes their unique styles, creating a golf experience that’s nothing short of spectacular.
A Look at Roost
Set on the former site of the World Woods Golf Club’s Rolling Oaks course, Roost makes the absolute most of the landscape with its gentle rises and falls. This layout is sneaky; some holes let you unleash powerful drives, while others add an extra club to your bag with their tricky uphill approaches. Picture this: you’re teeing off down a hill, the drive flying through the air, and then you get to an uphill green that makes you rethink your strategy—exciting, right?
More than Just Bunkers
While Roost may not have as many bunkers as its sibling, Karoo, sand plays a dominant role here. Several early holes look deceptively simple, but they’re full of surprises, with split fairways that keep golfers on their toes. It’s a thrilling way to start your game, but beware—the sandy traps can easily claim your ball if you’re not careful!
Famous Top Picks
Some of the most memorable holes at Roost are the tranquil ones. The opening par-4 greets you with a blind shot that reveals its secrets as you approach. Then there’s hole nine—a par-5 that offers a breathtaking view of the landscape and a delightful downhill glide to the green. But be prepared, the closing hole is a challenging par-4 that might leave you reeling, especially if you’re snagged by its tricky setup.
Fast Greens, Slower Rounds
One interesting tidbit? The greens at Roost are super-fast! This speed adds a layer of challenge, making for a thrilling round but also an incredibly long one, with reports of up to five hours for a foursome. Will the course directors take note and adjust those hole placements? We’ll have to wait and see—it’s definitely an aspect worth watching!
What’s Next?
Roost has the potential to outshine Karoo, making it the go-to choice at Cabot Citrus Farms. And this isn’t just a one-time wonder; more golf courses are on the way, along with new accommodations for visitors. Will the next course be another showstopper like Roost? We’re all on the edge of our seats waiting to see what comes next in Brooksville’s booming golf scene!
As the final preparations continue before the official opening in January, it looks like Roost is set to create waves in the golfing world—so grab your clubs and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
