Florida’s Nature Coast just got a new luxury golf hotspot, and it’s a big one. Enter Cabot Citrus Farms, a sprawling 1,200-acre golf and lifestyle retreat that aims to redefine high-end golf travel. With 57 holes of championship-level play, multi-million-dollar residences, and an array of outdoor activities, Cabot’s first U.S. venture is making a bold statement. But does the grand opening of this high-profile property signify a real shift in the golf luxury market, or is it just another gilded playground for the ultra-wealthy?
Golf, But Make It an Experience
Cabot Citrus Farms isn’t just about playing golf—it’s about immersing in it. With four distinct courses, each meticulously designed for different levels of play, the property ensures that both seasoned pros and casual golfers get their fix. The Karoo course, a Kyle Franz masterpiece, has already earned a spot on GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play list, while Roost, the second 18-hole course, pays homage to Old Florida’s natural beauty, with moss-draped oaks and rolling scrublands creating a serene yet challenging environment.
For those who prefer quick but satisfying rounds, The Squeeze (10 holes) and The Wedge (11 holes, par-3) provide unique, high-energy alternatives. The Wedge even features lighting and speakers for nighttime rounds, because why should golf stop when the sun goes down?
Photo : The 18-hole Karoo course at Cabot Citrus Farms features wide fairways, multiple routes to pins and bold green contours @Carolina Pines Golf
Real Estate: A Golfer’s Dream (If You Can Afford It)
Owning a piece of Cabot Citrus Farms comes with a hefty price tag. Homes start at $1.8 million for a Cottage and climb to $3.7 million for Fairway Homes, all designed to blend seamlessly with Florida’s lush landscape. With spacious al fresco areas, private pools, and panoramic views of the fairways, these properties promise an immersive, ultra-luxurious golf lifestyle. If buying isn’t an option, nightly rentals start at $1,250 through June 2025, making this an exclusive retreat for those willing to pay the premium.
Beyond Golf: The ‘Experience Economy’ Takes Over
Luxury travel is no longer just about top-tier accommodations—it’s about curated, memorable experiences. Cabot gets this. Beyond the greens, guests can try axe throwing, archery, bass fishing, and Five Stand shooting. There’s also easy access to hiking trails in Withlacoochee State Forest, water sports at Crystal River, and deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. This expansion into outdoor adventure signals a shift in golf resort offerings, catering to multi-generational families and diverse travel interests.
Sustainability: More Than Just a Buzzword?
Cabot is making sustainability a core part of its identity, becoming the first multi-property brand to enroll every golf course and built environment into Audubon International’s Platinum Signature Sanctuary certification. That means golf courses, clubhouses, lodging, and restaurants will all meet rigorous environmental standards. With Florida facing climate challenges and water scarcity concerns, will Cabot’s sustainability efforts set a new standard, or is this more about optics? Time will tell.
Location: Just Close Enough to Everything
Only 50 minutes from Tampa and 80 minutes from Orlando, Cabot Citrus Farms offers the right mix of seclusion and accessibility. Whether this location can pull elite golfers away from Florida’s other legendary courses—think TPC Sawgrass, Streamsong, and Seminole—remains to be seen. But for those seeking a fresh, immersive luxury golf retreat, this might just be Florida’s most exciting golf debut in years.
