Development of the Year 2025

Any new golf course development is somewhat of a gamble. With such a huge investment, the end result better be worth the time, money and effort.

This year’s Development of the Year winners each had different goals in mind, but ultimately, they all strove for one all-encompassing purpose: to make the best golf course they possibly could.

Cabot Citrus Farms took first place with a gargantuan effort: four golf courses built simultaneously. This required a construction team numbering in the hundreds. The result is two 18-hole courses and two short courses that occupy the site of the former World Woods Golf Club.

“Cabot Citrus Farms is a celebration of elevation, nature and a landscape that is so unique to Florida we chose it as our first U.S. location,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and co-founder of Cabot. “Our ultimate goal is to unite people through exceptional golf, outdoor adventures and a strong sense of community. It is an honor to have our team’s efforts recognized by Golf Inc., and we look forward to welcoming guests for generations to come.”

This year’s judges were Casey Paulson, general manager of Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club; Kevin Norby, ASGCA, RLA, of Norby Golf Course Design; and Darryl Bartlett, senior project manager of NMP Golf Construction.

FIRST PLACE

Cabot Citrus Farms
Brooksville, Florida

Owner/Developer: The Cabot Collection
Architects: Karoo – Kyle Franz; Roost – Mike Nuzzo, Kyle Franz, Rod Whitman and Ran Morrissett as golf course architecture adviser; The Wedge & The Squeeze – Mike Nuzzo
Contractor: GreenScape Methods
Cost: $35 million

The Cabot Collection wanted to build on the legacy of World Woods Golf Club by creating a destination for world-class golf, outdoor adventures and a strong sense of community, all while preserving the property’s distinct Floridian character and natural beauty.

This is Cabot’s first resort in the U.S. and the flagship for introducing its brand to a wider American audience. Cabot strives to build golf courses that stand the test of time, based on the idea that building great things is the best business model.

Cabot Citrus Farms features two redesigned 18-hole courses, Karoo and Roost, and two new short courses, The Squeeze and The Wedge. Crafted by a diverse team of architects, the courses embrace the area’s natural elevation changes and scenic beauty while employing innovative golf concepts for players of all skill levels.

The redesign of the existing courses was an extensive effort, repurposing…