A staple for high-quality, affordable golf since 1994, World Woods was acquired by Cabot, the highly respected, Canadian based developer and operator of golf resort communities. Set near Brooksville, 50 miles north of Tampa, (80 miles northwest of Orland0)  the 36-hole complex, currently consisting of two Tom Fazio-designed courses (Rolling Oaks and Pine Barrens) will be transformed into an upscale resort property, Cabot Citrus Farms. Cabot plans to introduce a housing component, which will be a significant change since World Woods did not have surrounding development. Cabot purchased 1,200 acres, but, reportedly will concentrate initially on upgrading and renovating the golf courses, which comprise about 500 acres.

According to recent reports, expected opening is early Spring this year (2024) although there is some limited preview play.

Both Rolling Oaks and Pine Barrens will undergo renovations with Cabot’s goal to “bring back the golf to where it was when the place first opened.” World Woods courses in recent years had slipped somewhat in quality due to a lack of a top notch maintenance budget. Plans also call for a re-designed practice area, putting course and a short course similar to The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton. Some of the enhancements for the overall project include the addition of cottages and villas, a new clubhouse and nature paths. Cabot Citrus Farms will also feature retail, restaurants, fitness and spa amenities, communal gathering spots, and a farmer’s market. In total, upon completion, the complex will include two 18-hole courses (Karoo and Roost), plus an 11-hole par-3 course (The Wedge) and a 9-hole regulation-length course (The Squeez). In March (2023), developers introduced Phase I of its real estate component by offering 36 cottages in the Village. The two- and four-bedroom residences start from $1,995,000 to $3,195,000, respectively.

Kyle Franz is the architect of record on both 18-hole redesigns (Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks) and Mike Nuzzo is co-designing Rolling Oaks with Franz and also overseeing the build of the other two shorter courses.

An 18-hole course with spacious fairways that weave through a variety of settings and terrain, including sandy, scrubby areas and lush rolling meadows dotted with flowering dogwoods and native wildflowers.

A 9-hole layout with holes ranging from 100 yards to 550 yards featuring some fun-to-play short par 4s.

An 11-hole par-3 course with vast waste areas and greens with dramatic slopes.

The Canadian company was co-founded by Ben Cowan-Dewar and developer Mike Keiser, a visionary who created Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Sand Valley in Wisconsin. Headed by CEO Cowan-Dewar, Cabot’s impressive growing portfolio includes Cape Breton in Nova Scotia (Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs) and two new projects: Cabot Saint Lucia on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, and Cabot Revelstoke, expected to open in 2024 in the mountains of central British Columbia. Cowan-Dewar, who formerly owned a high-end golf travel business, GolfTI (Golf Travel Impresarios) has played many of the great golf courses in the world. He strongly believes development around golf courses can be done tastefully to appeal to both golfers residents.