World Woods is what hardcore golf is all about, a facility of pure
purpose. Aside from an ocean, there is little more the serious player could ask for in a golf facility. World Woods opened for play in 1993 on a remote 2,000+ acres of land off
Highway 98, several miles north of the town of Brooksville. With its patches of exposed sandy soil and abrupt shifts in elevation that are surprisingly
common in this section of western
Florida, the property is an undoubtedly rich site for a golf course. The old forest atmosphere and the dense trees and scrub that line most fairways and isolate the holes on both courses add to
the singular experience. Since its inception there has been little argument that the two courses represent the finest level of golf in the state and are among the finest
public access courses in the country.
The two courses, Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks, were designed and built by
Tom Fazio and showcase some of his best work and some of his most typical. (It must be noted that to the majority of the paying public,
Fazio’s “typical” work is among the most desirable in the country.) Pine Barrens is a visually dramatic course with moments of terrific
strategic merit, surpassing in grandeur nearly every other course in Florida. Rolling Oaks is a prototype for pretty, mainstream American courses and
is far less daring than its sister.
World Woods is located north of Brooksville in western Florida, one hour north of Tampa. The town lies between Highway 19 to the west and I-75 to the
east. From I-75 exit Highway 98 (exit 61) and follow it through Brooksville north. From Highway 19 take 98 south. The golf course is to the east of 98.
World Woods would be worth the pilgrimage even were it not so affordable. Considering its supreme value, those within 100 miles of Brooksville are virtually obliged to make the trip.
Rates for each course is the same, ranging from only $40 weekdays and $50 weekends during the May to
November season, and topping out at $85 and $110 during the December to May
high season. Thirty-six hole specials start at $70 and go up to $155 depending on the month.
The warm months are definitely the best buys. A weekday fee of $70 for both courses in September or October is nearly too good to be true. There is
also a criminally low twilight rate of $30 for 18 holes on either course, along with a variety of other pricing structures. Call the pro shop for exact rates.
