World Woods, a golf course that opened in 1993 during a golf boom in America, was once a promising destination for golf enthusiasts. Designed by Tom Fazio, the Pine Barrens and Rolling Woods courses gained acclaim for their quality and design. However, the location of World Woods in an undeveloped area of Florida, an hour away from Tampa, posed challenges for attracting visitors and establishing amenities like a golf academy and resort hotel. Despite the high-quality golf courses, the property struggled to reach its full potential.
The Japanese owner’s plans for development at World Woods never materialized, and the property’s value as a golf destination declined over the years. With the onset of the late-2000s recession and the emergence of competing golf resorts like Streamsong, World Woods became overshadowed and lost its status as a top destination. However, amid these challenges, the property caught the attention of Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO of Cabot, a prominent golf resort company. Cowan-Dewar saw potential in World Woods and convinced the owner to sell the property to Cabot, leading to its redevelopment and transformation into Citrus Farms.
Under Cabot’s ownership, World Woods was rebranded as Citrus Farms, with a new focus on enhancing the golf experience and attracting visitors. The property underwent significant redevelopment, including the construction of cottages, dining facilities, and additional golf courses. The centerpiece of Citrus Farms is The Karoo, a course designed by Kyle Franz that offers a visually stunning and challenging golf experience. Additionally, the property features amenities like The Wedge, an illuminated par-3 course, and The Squeeze, a nine-hole course that provides a variety of golfing experiences for visitors.
Karoo, the main course at Citrus Farms, replaces the former Pine Barrens course and offers an expansive landscape with strategically placed hazards and unique hole designs. Franz and his team cleared thousands of trees to create an open, windswept environment that challenges golfers of all skill levels. With distinctive features like water hazards, waste areas, and undulating greens, Karoo provides a memorable and engaging golf experience. The course caters to a broad spectrum of players, from seasoned golfers seeking a challenge to beginners looking to enjoy the game in a scenic setting.
As part of Citrus Farms’ redevelopment, Cabot has focused on creating a well-rounded golf destination that combines high-quality courses with comfortable accommodations and dining options. The property aims to appeal to a diverse range of golf enthusiasts and provide a memorable experience for visitors. With its commitment to enhancing the golf offerings and amenities at Citrus Farms, Cabot has revitalized the former World Woods property and positioned it as a top destination in the golf resort industry. The transformation of World Woods into Citrus Farms reflects the enduring appeal of golf and the creativity of developers in reimagining and revitalizing golf properties for future generations.
