Our tips on how to get to Florida's best new golf destination.
*In partnership with Cabot Citrus Farms*
If you've kept an eye on the golf world recently, you already know Cabot Citrus Farms has quickly become a pretty big deal. Spanning 1,200 acres in Brooksville, Florida, about 50 minutes north of Tampa, the resort is a pretty different experience from the typical Florida golf trip.
If you've played much Florida golf, Cabot might catch you off guard. The property has plenty of elevation, sand hills, towering pines and moss-draped live oaks, making it feel pretty different from the typical Sunshine State golf experience. And there is a lot of golf packed onto the property.
RELATED: Love Letter To: Cabot Citrus Farms
The golf is the real draw, obviously. There are two 18-hole courses, Karoo and Roost, plus The Squeeze, a 10-hole executive course, and The Wedge, an 11-hole par-3 course that's lit at night.
After making the trip ourselves, we figured out a few things worth knowing before you go. The good news: Getting to Cabot is pretty straightforward. The bigger challenge is figuring out how to make the most of your time once you arrive, because there is a lot of golf to squeeze in.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
Fly Into Tampa If You Can
The Flight: If you're flying to Cabot, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the obvious choice. It's about a 50-minute drive from the resort. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is another option, but the drive is closer to an hour and 45 minutes.
If Orlando has a dramatically better flight option or price, it's certainly doable. Just remember that you're adding nearly two hours of driving each way, so it's worth factoring that into your plans.
The Ride: We traveled in a Sprinter van and, let me say, this is an all-time power move. If you can swing it, I can't recommend it enough. And this should go without saying, but it's an easy one to forget: If you're traveling with a group, arrange your transportation from the airport before you leave home. It will save you the headache of figuring it out after a long flight.
Cabot Citrus Farms can also help arrange a private Sprinter van based on your flight information, meaning you can walk out of the airport, find your ride and head straight to Brooksville without dealing with rental cars or splitting the group between Ubers.
And honestly, the ride up to Cabot becomes part of the trip. This is where the trash talk starts, bets get made and everyone becomes extremely confident about how they're going to play that week.
RELATED: A Better Way to Pack for Your Next Golf Weekend
Don't Waste Your First Afternoon
The Welcome: When you pull into Cabot Citrus Farms, you're greeted with a welcome cocktail and the team gets you up to speed on the schedule for the week, including your tee times at Karoo, Roost, The Squeeze and The Wedge.
The Cottages: From there, you'll take a cart over to your cottage, drop your bags and settle in. The cottages have open living spaces, spacious bedrooms and outdoor porches.
Knock off the rust: Depending on your arrival time, hit some balls on the range, roll some putts on the nearly 100,000-square-foot putting course or, if you have enough daylight left, go play The Wedge.
The Wedge is an 11-hole par-3 course that's fully lit at night, which makes it a pretty perfect way to start the trip. Grab a drink, make a few bets and get the travel-day rust out of your system.
If your timing works out, this is probably how I'd spend my first evening at Cabot. Save Karoo and Roost for when you're rested and ready to actually appreciate them.
RELATED: What Does the Best Golf Road Trip on Earth Really Cost?