Development group Cabot has acquired World Woods Golf Club in Brooksville, Florida, and will transform the property as part of a major redevelopment.

The 45-hole public facility, located between Tampa and Orlando, will be renamed Cabot Citrus Farms and its two 18-hole courses, Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks, and nine-hole par-three layout, all designed by Tom Fazio in the early 1990s, will be completely renovated, beginning with the par-three layout, putting green and practice facilities.

“I couldn’t wish for a better location for our first US development,” said Cowan-Dewar. “The property is a nature lover’s paradise that rivals the most spectacular sites I’ve seen across the world.”

Architects have not yet been chosen, but a decision is expected to be made by the end of March, with Cabot intending to select a separate designer to work on each course. The facility will continue to remain open for play and operate as World Woods until June, when it will close for around 18 months while renovations take place.

The developer also plans to build accommodation, a new clubhouse, shops, restaurants, a spa, fitness centre and a farmer’s market.

Cabot’s growing portfolio of destinations includes Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Cabot Saint Lucia, which will open in late 2022, and Cabot Revelstoke in British Columbia, which is expected to open in 2023.