Love Letter To: Cabot Citrus Farms

Few golf properties evoke the same level of excitement and anticipation as those that belong to The Cabot Collection. Whether you’ve had the chance to visit one or not, you most likely know that a Cabot property comes with a certain level of gravitas. We’re talking championship golf courses, breathtaking views, and carefully curated amenities from the moment you drive on property. That’s exactly what we experienced at Cabot Citrus Farms during our three nights and two days filming the latest edition of ‘The Golf Diary’ starring Chad Mumm and Wells Adams of The Vanity Index Podcast. We played all four golf courses, shot clays and bass fished at the sporting club, stayed in their new cottages, and tried all the food and beverage. It was an epic 72 hours that left us asking ourselves, “Where does Cabot Citrus Farms rank among the top golf destinations in the world?”

About an hour’s drive north of Tampa, FL is where you’ll find Cabot Citrus Farms. A maintained yet wild Florida golf destination with natural sand hills, century-old oak trees, and rolling fairways that all add up to one unique Florida golf experience. I used the term “maintained yet wild” because that’s how it truly feels out there. Florida’s natural beauty and ruggedness are thriving all around you, yet it’s kept to a particular Cabot standard. One minute you’re lining up a birdie putt with sweeping Florida vistas, the next you’re in the A/C halfway house being served a hand-crafted cocktail. It’s the continuous back-and-forth of the golfing “elements” with the luxury of a 5-star resort.

Cabot Citrus Farms offers 4 completely contrasting golf courses. The first being “Karoo”, a 7,562-yard 18-hole course designed by Kyle Franz. This to me was the big ballpark of Cabot Citrus Farms. The course the defines what the entire property is about – bold in its routing, unique to Florida, and multiple options on every shot. You could play Karoo over and over again and still not see it all. Split fairways, massive greens, and varying lengths off the tee all give you different options and looks. The golf course doesn’t just tell you to pull driver and hit it straight, it allows you to pick a club, pick a shot, and see if you can pull it off. And throughout the round the visuals of sand and fairways take your breath away. The way each fairway and green stick out from the natural sand looks incredible and never gets old. It has a real sense of adventure when you’re playing it. The type of place that makes you so happy you play golf because you get to see something as magnificent as this.

Roost is the other 18-hole course on property and gives you more of a rolling hills, tree-lined (at times) vibe. It’s still big and bold like all the courses on property but with a sense of history to it. The massive oak trees covered in moss have something to do with this vibe of old Florida golf. It may seem easier than Karoo but that’s probably because there’s less sand on every hole. The greens are shaped perfectly, and the fairways have more slope to them than what you’ll usually find in Florida. Roost to me is the perfect 2nd 18. It has plenty of its own unique features but feels like a relaxed and comfy routing after playing Karoo. The par-3 8th hole is definitely a standout on property… Don’t miss left.

The Squeeze is one of the more fun and modern takes I’ve seen in golf course design. It’s 10 holes ranging anywhere from 100 to 550 yards. One par-5, six par-4’s, and three par-3’s. And the name “The Squeeze” comes from the thought that this is the perfect round to book when you got a little extra time to squeeze some more golf in. This course is designed by Mike Nuzzo as a playground for golfers. Drivable par-4’s, daring par-3’s and birdie chances on every hole. It’s such a cool concept that breaks the stigma of 18-hole golf. The course brings the best out of the game and lets you play for fun rather than score alone. We played as a scramble and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Enjoy the cocktails and see if you can make a few birdies along the way.

The Wedge, also designed by Nuzzo, sits in the middle of the property and stays open after dark with flood lights scattered from tee box to green. An 11-hole par-3 course that visually carries the same weight as every other course on property. It fits the vibe just as much as it gives access to the game for any skill level. The holes are excellent but it has all the little things that make a great par-3 course - A bar and food house right next to the first tee, complementary Sunday bags to carry your clubs, drink holders on every tee box and green, another bar behind the 3rd green, and music playing through little hidden speakers on every hole. You can’t leave Cabot Citrus Farms without playing The Wedge.

Beyond the golf, the things to do at Cabot Citrus Farms continue to grow. Their sporting club was like nothing I’d seen before. A state-of-the-art clay shooting 5-stand that gives you multiple clay flights to shoot at, from back-to-front, side-to-side, even along the ground to simulate a rabbit running target. It was wild. The club also has a stocked fishing pond, axe throwing and archery. When you book an activity at the sporting club, ask for Tyler. He’s the man! The accommodation is next level. Their cottages are all brand new, elegantly furnished and (most importantly) extremely practical. The food and beverage onsite are carefully thought out, wood fired pizzas at The Porch, or wild caught sea bass at Grange Hall. Everything from outdoor eats to fine dining.

The whole experience at Cabot Citrus Farms exemplifies my favorite components of a golf trip, where the focus is on time with your mates, the golf you play and the quality hangs off the course. If you’re looking for an elevated golf trip with a huge variety of golf course options, Cabot Citrus Farms is your next stop.