By Steve Pike
Anyone who has been to Ben Cowan-Dewar’s properties, Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, or Cabot Highlands in Scotland, knows firsthand that he demands everything be first-class and beyond.
Cabot Citrus Farms will be the most highly anticipated new Florida golf destination in over a decade, when it opens in January.
Cabot Citrus Farms, located just north of Tampa, will have four outstanding golf courses, but it will also have other amenities new to Cabot properties, including a Sporting Club that will offer clay shooting, archery and ax-throwing.
“We have an amazing property here and a lot of land (1,200 acres) to work with,’’ Cabot Citrus Farms Managing Director Daniel Knight told me.
Other non-golf activities will include nature trails, racket sports, swimming pool, food trucks and Grange Hall, grab n’ go general store, bar and an outdoor fire pit lounge.
Cabot Citrus Farms has renamed its four courses, the Cabot Barrens Course, designed by Kyle Franz, is now called Karoo, named after the noise local Sandhill Cranes make around the property. The Cabot Oaks Course is now the Roost named after the wild turkeys that “roost’’ in the property’s large oak trees. The Squeeze is a 10-hole course designed by Mike Nuzzo, with holes ranging from 100 to 550 yards. Many of the holes are inspired by the world’s best short par 4s. The Wedge is an 11-hole par-3 course offering expansive waste areas and greens with dramatic slopes. Hole lengths range from 85 to 125 yards. Golfers have the option to play the short courses in between or after full rounds.
“We wanted names (on the short courses) that reflect the fun and excitement of the courses,’’ Knight said. “You can ‘squeeze’ in a few holes or ‘wedge’ in a few holes.’’
The Karoo, Wedge and Squeeze courses will open for a media preview January, 22. The Roost will not open until April.
“We’re excited to showcase Kyle’s vision and creativity, how special the land is here and all of the work our team has been able to accomplish,’’ Knight said. “Squeeze and Wedge show off Mike’s unbelievable creativity.’’
Meanwhile, construction continues on the Village and The Cottages, the latter of which is a collection of 36 two- and four-bedroom residences, each designed to celebrate historic Floridian architectural styles. Cabot’s next phase of real estate will also debut in 2024, including five Fairway Homes.
“There is no shortage of activity around here,’’ Knight said. “Part of our focus now is setting the stage to welcome guests and to have them experience everything people have come to expect from Cabot.’’
For more information about Cabot Citrus Farms visit: https://cabotcitrusfarms.com/
