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Featured Home for Sale - Naples Luxury Real Estate

2009-06-26T13:16:00.002-04:00

GREY OAKS - 1825 PLUMBAGO - Tour Now

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Dreams do come true in this newly built estate home in Isle Toscano at Grey Oaks. This estate offers 6 bedrooms, 7 full bathrooms, 4 half bathrooms, state of the art theater room, wine cellar, video surveillance, and an impressive 7 car garage. Located on an oversized homesite overlooking long lake & golf course views. Custom wood work, premium stone throughout, and imported iron work are only a fraction of the detail that you'll encounter upon viewing this home. A full list of features are available upon request.
Contact David W. Auston, Grey Oaks - Naples Luxury Golf Real Estate Specialists

Mediterra Fund distributes 95k to six area programs

2009-06-10T10:41:00.002-04:00

Mediterra Fund distributes $95,000 to six area programs

Mediterra Naples Country Club
Six Southwest Florida organizations that expand learning opportunities for local children are sharing $95,000 in grants awarded by the Mediterra Fund. The annual funding program benefits nonprofit agencies in Collier and Lee counties; the most recent round of grant distributions pushes the fund’s cumulative total to $645,000 since its inception.
The Mediterra Fund is financed by a portion of the resale of existing homes in Mediterra and is overseen by a committee of five residents.
The Literacy Council of Bonita Springs will use its $15,000 grant to buy books and supplies for its Moms and Tots program that teaches English to preschool children and their mothers. Learning alongside their youngsters gives mothers the skills to help their children with homework, says Susan Acuna, executive director of the Literacy Council, noting the Moms and Tots program has grown from an initial class of four at one site to 280 mothers and children.
Moms and Tots participants attend two weekly two-hour sessions yearround, and mothers receive a book each week to take home and start a library. The lessons often given the women the confidence to find a job after their children start school, Acuna says.
The Immokalee Foundation is also receiving a $15,000 grant for its Take Stock in Children program, which reaches out to more than 100 seventh through 12th-grade students in Immokalee. Take Stock in Children pairs students with mentors who often share their life experiences and show them “the other opportunities in the world,” says the program’s executive director, Ed Laudise. “They’re part archangel, part coach who sticks with them throughout middle school and high school.”
Four-year college scholarships are available to students who complete the program. Take Stock in Children is funded primarily by private dollars. “It costs us $1,800 a child per year,” Mr. Laudise says. “It’s not cheap but that’s the cost of changing a life.”
A $15,000 grant to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes also helps high school students in Immokalee. Last year’s contribution from the Mediterra Fund paid for high school football teams from Immokalee, Moore Haven and east Lee County to attend FCA football camp at Webber University. The Fellowship expects to use the newest grant to fund basketball team trips to its camp, including the junior varsity and varsity girls’ teams from Golden Gate.
Other agencies receiving $15,000 grants were the Scholars Club/Public Schools Enrichment Partnership at Florida Gulf Coast University and the Education Foundation of Collier County. The Gargiulo Education Center, run by Redlands Christian Migrant Association, will receive $20,000.
Mediterra, a development of Bonita Bay Group, has been named Community of the Year by the Collier Building Industry Association for five years and has received the Award of Excellence for Open Spaces from the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.(source: florida weekly 4/9/2009)

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Private Investor helps luxury builder in uncertain times

2009-06-02T14:54:00.004-04:00

NAPLES — In a tough market, London Bay Homes in Naples is placing its bets on Mediterra.

Mediterra Naples Florida Country Club
The luxury homebuilder has launched The Estates at Cortile, a single-family enclave within Bonita Bay Group’s Mediterra community, which straddles the Lee/Collier county line off Livingston Road.London Bay, named America’s Best Builder for 2008 by Builder Magazine, recently got a boost from a $17.35 million infusion of capital from a private investor.The investor, who is not being named, now has a 20 percent interest in the company. Most of the money is being directed at growth opportunities in Southwest Florida.The Estates at Cortile will have 46 home sites with 28 villas and 18 estate homes.
“This is one of the last best sites in Mediterra, if not the last best project in Mediterra,” said Mark Wilson, president of London Bay Homes.Mediterra, a master-planned community, spans 1,697 acres. At build out, it will have less than 950 homes.London Bay has built more than 50 homes in Mediterra as a preferred builder on individual lots over the years.The estate homes in Cortile will start at about $2.4 million, including the lot, a “terrific price,” Wilson said. Smaller villas start at $1.6 million.
“The nice thing that you’ve got is because of the market, our pricing is approximately 20 percent down from where it was previously,” Wilson said.Though prices are down, the builder is still offering the same type of floor plans and square footage.There are eight designs for the estate homes, and another seven for the villas, which are on smaller lots.The lots for the villas are 75 feet wide. The estate home sites are at least 150 feet wide.The villas will be less than 4,000 square feet, while the estate homes will be larger — up to 8,000 square feet.London Bay has worked to get the best possible prices from its contractors to keep labor and material costs lower, Wilson said.The builder contracted to purchase the land for the new community several years ago. It’s being bought in phases, and some of it has not yet been purchased.
“We just started marketing and are going through the platting process,” Wilson said.There are two models built for the villas. London Bay is still deciding whether to build another model for the estate homes.
“I think it’s a great project,” said John McGarvey, president of McGarvey Development in Fort Myers.His company also builds in Mediterra. He called Cortile “the last nice development” in the community.He described Mediterra as “choice sirloin” and the project as “aggressive.”“London Bay bought the whole street,” McGarvey said.There are other builders putting up homes in Mediterra too, even as new home construction has stalled in Collier County.
“People would be surprised if they went to play golf at Mediterra. There are quite a few homes being built,” said David Auston, a real estate agent with Amerivest Realty who specializes in Mediterra and lives in the community.Some of the money from London Bay’s private investment is going into Cortile, but London Bay is also using it to buy land in other locations to take advantage of a bad market that has driven land costs down.
“If you don’t have the capital to do it, you can’t do it,” Wilson said. “A whole lot of builders will probably be in that category.”
In recent months, London Bay has been doing national advertising and it has gotten a good response, with more than 500 inquiries coming in, said Ken Plonski, a company spokesman.More buyers around the country seem to be recognizing that Florida now offers better values than it has in years — both at the low end and the high end.“I myself have sold 4 properties this year,” Auston said. “I have three different people coming in this month specifically looking at Mediterra.”
Mediterra has about 400 golf members. There’s room for about 100 more, Auston said.Bonita Bay is offering $100,000 toward the $185,000 membership at the golf club with the purchase of a new home, which is also helping sales, he said.
“I think people are taking more time to buy the luxury property,” Auston said. “But there are still sales going on.”(source: naples news 4-6-2009)

The country club at Mediterra is currently owned by bonita bay group, but the bank is in negotiations with the owners of Mediterra to sell the club to them

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Featured Home for Sale - Naples Luxury Real Estate

2009-05-27T13:21:00.001-04:00

BELLEZZA at MEDITTERRA - 14806 BELLEZZA LN NAPLES FL - Tour Now

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NOT BANK OWNED, BUT PRICED LIKE IT! Priced 100k below the builder AND professionally furnished and decorated. That's a 300k value below the builder's price! Act now! This is the former model from the builder and has never been occupied. Purchased for close to 1.8million 2 years ago and aggresively priced for it's new owner. Mediterra offer's an impressive upscale florida lifestyle, including 36 holes of Tom Fazio golf, private beach club/restaurant on the Gulf, newly expanded fitness facility, and much much more! Buyer to assume CDD balance. Contact David W. Auston, Mediterra - Naples Luxury Golf Real Estate Specialists

Featured Condo for Sale - Naples Luxury Real Estate

2009-04-09T13:21:00.001-04:00

PORTA VECCHIO at MEDITERRA - 17035 PORTA VECCHIO WAY NAPLES FL - Tour Now

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Most desirable SW rear exposure with long views of golf course, lake, & preserve. Fantastic views from every window! Upgraded stone flooring laid on the diagonal throughout the home AND the lanai. Granite countertops, dark cherry wood cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Beautiful plantation shutters and crown molding throughout the home. Pre-wired for an elevator. A must see 2nd floor townhome in the luxury golf community of Mediterra.
Contact David W. Auston, Mediterra- Naples Luxury Golf Real Estate Specialists

Developer creates trend-setting natural, lifestyle communities

2009-03-23T12:02:00.002-04:00

BONITA SPRINGS — Bonita Bay isn’t quite the same community its creators originally envisioned when it was introduced more than 25 years ago. Planned for 9,000 homes and just one on-site golf course, the 2,400-acre Bonita Springs community has evolved, staying well ahead of the next big trend.
“We’re constantly re-evaluating our community plans to exceed our residents’ expectations long before there’s a demand,” said Susan Hebel Watts, Bonita Bay Group’s senior vice president. “We saw a need at Bonita Bay for more golf; it was important to our new residents. We reworked the plan and added two courses within the community, and when the opportunity arose, we purchased property off-site for two additional courses.”
Even the best-laid master plans evolve.
Bonita Bay’s additional on-site courses were fashioned from property designated by its original master plan as commercial and residential development, and as the plan transformed, Bonita Bay Group reduced the housing threshold to fewer than 3,300 – nearly two-thirds less than permitted. More than 1,400 acres remains open space, including 230 acres of lakes, nature preserve areas and 12 miles of bicycle and walking paths. A recent modification to the community plan carved out 15 new prime single-family homesites, which will be offered first to current residents.
Bonita Bay’s modified land plan was recognized with the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence in 1999.
Forecasting emerging trends and anticipating residents’ needs is part science, part art. Bonita Bay Group is the master of the master plan, having created some of Southwest Florida’s most exceptional communities with amenities and home styles that cater to a variety of lifestyle options. The company, said Watts, continues to project future needs for each of its communities.
One constant at Bonita Bay and each of the company’s subsequent communities is an emphasis on nature. Bonita Bay was planned in the early 1980s – long before the environmental movement gained momentum. But its vision of creating a community that set new standards in land planning and environmental preservation is still ahead of its time, and one Bonita Bay Group has advanced at each of its communities. TwinEagles, Mediterra, The Brooks and Verandah have been recognized for their environmentally sensitive design that respects and works around the natural habitat. Verandah became Florida’s first certified green-land development shortly after it opened in 2003.
“Before we begin to plan a community, we survey its natural features,” said Watts. “We also look at its history. A lot of land in Southwest Florida has been used for farming, which has dramatically impacted the original water flow and native habitat. We look at how we can bring that back.”
Sustainable development is a design concept applauded by Steve Seibert, senior vice president and director of policy for Florida’s Collins Center for Public Policy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank charged with finding solutions to issues facing Florida and the country.
“Design, more than ever, is incorporating environmentally sensitive solutions from the beginning,” Seibert said. “There’s a concerted effort for more green features, and the great part is it’s not rocket science. We know the best practices and often it doesn’t cost more than traditional practices.”
In-community recreational opportunities are another recurring theme in today’s developments, according to the “Home Design Trends Survey” released by the American Institute of Architects in December. Each of Bonita Bay Group’s communities offers miles of walking and fitness trails and neighborhood parks that appeal to today’s more active retirees and families. Several communities also have canoe and kayak launches, tennis courts and fitness centers. Sandoval and Verandah even have fenced dog parks. This interaction with nature is important, said Watts.
Since the introduction of the first modern-day master-planned community — arguably Hilton Head Island, S.C., in the 1950s — designs have evolved to reflect society’s changing needs. Golf is the number one leisure activity that draws people to Southwest Florida, and Bonita Bay Group has created some of the top-rated golf experiences in the area, including the only private club in Florida with courses by Jack Nicklaus, Jack Nicklaus II and Gary Player at The Club at TwinEagles. Mediterra’s two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses are also highly regarded, and, like TwinEagles, Verandah and Bonita Bay, have been recognized by leading golf magazines.
Creating a master plan is more than envisioning what future residents want, said Watts. Planners must also look beyond, to the outlying community. Mediterra, the company’s 1,697-acre North Naples community, was designed in the spirit of the Mediterranean coast of Europe, a setting that fits in with the Old World ambience of Naples. Verandah, along the Orange River in Fort Myers, reflects the surrounding Buckingham area, with its preserved live oak trees and southern style architecture with dormer windows, clapboard siding and front porches. Sandoval, the company’s first non-golf community, has a resort-type theme reminiscent of the Caribbean and caters to Cape Coral’s mix of retirees and families.
Buying into a master plan also provides peace of mind for homebuyers. Because of the various amenities and lifestyle options in a carefully planned community, there’s a certain degree of property value protection.
From Bonita Bay in the 1980s to Sandoval in the 2000s, Bonita Bay Group is committed to creating master-planned communities that not only work for people but the environment, said Watts.
“Bonita Bay Group is building on a fabulous history of 25 years and moving into the next level,” said Watts. “We don’t have to do the same thing over and over. Instead we look at an area, the land and the neighbors and find the best possible balance.”(source: naples news 3-20-09)

SOLD! - Naples Golf Course Real Estate

2009-02-17T13:21:00.002-05:00

STERLING OAKS - 14927 WILDCAT COVE

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Fully Furnished! Wonderful vacation home in Sterling Oaks with top notch amenities. Very private and quiet preserve view. Very clean. View this home and you will not be disappointed! This 3 bedroom/3 full bath detached villa with attached 2 car garage is quietly nestled in the back of Sterling Oaks in North Naples. Wonderful neutral tones throughout and top quality furnishings. Low fees and just 3 miles to the beach! Gated community located on US41. Everything a buyer wants in an upscale Naples community for a great price!
Contact David W. Auston, Naples Luxury Golf Real Estate Specialists

Six Southwest Florida Communities named in Top 100.

2009-02-15T16:48:00.004-05:00

NAPLES — Six Southwest Florida golf communities were named to Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Communities in its January/February issue.
Bay Colony, Bonita Bay Club, Grey Oaks, Mediterra, Tuscany Reserve and TwinEagles, all made the list.

Bonita Bay Club has access to five courses, while Grey Oaks has three, and Mediterra and TwinEagles each have two.

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Ace Group Classic at Treviso Bay Feb 16-22

2009-01-20T11:25:00.005-05:00

The ACE Group Classic will celebrate its 22nd year in Naples, Florida from February 16 - 22, 2009. Tournament officials have announced that the tournament will move to newly-opened TPC Treviso Bay.
Individual week-long grounds passes are being offered for $50 and grant access to the Tournament grounds February 16 - 22. Daily tickets are also available for $20 valid any one day. Kids 17 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.
The 2009 Ultimate Golf Experience includes one week-long grounds pass and 136 discounted rounds of golf (May - October) at 17 area courses. The cost of one book is $130. The Ultimate Golf Experience Book can be purchased by logging onto http://www.acegroupclassic.com/ or by calling 1-800-566-3470. The golf book is also available at area retail outlets which can be found at http://www.acegroupclassic.com/.
The TPC Experience package, available in limited quantities, includes a one-day hospitality ticket to the 18th greenside TPC Skybox and one free round of golf at TPC Treviso Bay. The one-day hospitality ticket includes full buffet and open bar. Buyers will also receive an ACE Group Classic TPC hat. The cost of the package is $325 and there are no fees or restrictions for the round of golf. Fans must call 1-800-566-3470 to purchase; the TPC Experience is not sold online.
To honor the 21st anniversary of his participation, the Tournament is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a chance to play golf with Gary Player. The ACE Group Classic will host a one-day tournament on Monday, February 16 at TPC Treviso Bay. Registration is open to the public and 100 spots are available. The entry fee is $500 per player or $1,800 per foursome. The field will be divided into four flights based on handicaps. Golfers will receive breakfast and use of the practice facilities prior to playing TPC Treviso Bay. Lunch and an awards ceremony will follow the round. Each participant will receive an Ultimate Golf Experience Book and one weekly ticket to The ACE Group Classic.
The four flight Grand Prize winners will receive an Official Pro-Am Pairing with Gary Player and a pro-am gift package worth approximately $500. Winners will also receive an invitation for two to the Official Pro-Am Pairings Party at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort and two weekly badges to The ACE Group Classic. Complete information is available by calling 1-800-566-3470 or visiting http://www.acegroupclassic.com/.
For more information on the ACE Group Classic, visit http://www.acegroupclassic.com/ or call the Tournament office at (239)593-3900.

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Hoch and Perry win Merrill Lynch Shootout

2008-12-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

Scott Hoch and Kenny Perry paired for a 12-under 60 in Sunday's scramble format and cruised to a four-shot victory at the Merrill Lynch Shootout.
Hoch and Perry finished the three-round championship at 31-under-par 185 at Tiburon Golf Club.
For Hoch, this was his first victory in this tournament after several runner- up finishes in years past. Perry hoisted the trophy with John Huston three years ago.
J.B. Holmes and Boo Weekley, a successful American Ryder Cup partnership, also shot a 12-under 60 and took second place at minus-27.
Tournament host Greg Norman teamed with Camilo Villegas for a 15-under 57 on Sunday and vaulted up to third place at 25-under 191.
Hoch and Perry made an eagle on the sixth hole and found themselves four clear. They birdied the next and were five ahead, and built a six-stroke cushion after three more birdies around the turn.
Things got closer once the Holmes/Weekley tandem got going. That duo birdied 12 and 13, then eagled the 14th. Hoch and Perry birdied No. 14 and suddenly the lead was down to three shots.
But Hoch and Perry responded. The pair birdied the 16th hole and eagled 17 to build an insurmountable lead. Hoch and Perry parred the last, but walked off with the win and split $730,000.
Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker (60) and Zach Johnson and Scott Verplank (62) shared fifth place at minus-22.
Stewart Cink and Fred Couples paired for an 11-under 61 on Sunday and took seventh at 21-under 195. Paul Azinger and Rocco Mediate combined for a nine- under 63 in the scramble and came in eighth at minus-18.
Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter (63) took ninth at 16-under 200, followed by Brad Faxon and Scott McCarron (64), who finished at minus-14.
The defending champions, Woody Austin and Mark Calcavecchia, managed a 10- under-par 62 on Sunday and came in 11th place at 10-under 206.
Fred Funk withdrew on Sunday with a knee injury. His partner Chris DiMarco played on Sunday with Ian Baker-Finch, but the team's score did not count. (source: naples news 12/14/08)

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ESPN's Chris Berman back again for Pro-Am Shark Shootout

2008-12-09T15:26:00.001-05:00

ESPN's Chris Berman is coming back to the Merrill Lynch Shootout.
Berman, who has a residence on Sanibel Island, is returning for the fifth consecutive year and will play in the pro-am on Dec. 10-11 at Tiburon Golf Club.
“When we first asked Chris to play five years ago, he jumped right in and became a big part of our efforts on the local and national level,'' tournament director Taylor Ives said. "As everyone knows, he is very energetic and passionate about everything, and it is nice of him to share his time with us each year for a few days, especially during football season.”
Berman joined ESPN in the fall of 1979, one month after the network’s inception, and during the last quarter century has come to embody ESPN in its dedication to entertaining and informing sports fans everywhere. He has been selected the National Sportscaster of the Year six times, has won seven Emmy Awards and 12 CableACEs.
The Merrill Lynch Shootout will once again feature a modified alternate shot format during the first round, a better ball Saturday and a final-round scramble. Golf Channel will televise Friday's coverage and NBC will broadcast the weekend activities.
Entering its 20th year, the Merrill Lynch Shootout was created by Norman to raise awareness and charitable offerings for the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Tickets for the PGA Tour-sanctioned Shootout are on sale now. Orders can be placed in advance by calling 888-66-SHARK or visiting Alf’s Golf Shop in Naples. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the main gate during tournament week. For the latest Merrill Lynch Shootout news and information, please visit the official tournament Website at www.mlshootout.com (source: naples news 12-7-08)

Ace Group Classic now at the TPC Treviso Bay Naples

2008-11-18T09:10:00.005-05:00

The ACE Group Classic issued a press release Monday saying it would announce changes for 2009 today.
The site of the press conference, the Tournament Players Club Treviso Bay, will be one of them. The letterhead on the release also reads “The ACE Group Classic hosted by Peter Jacobsen.’’
Jacobsen, a 54-year-old Champions Tour player who lives in Bonita Springs, has been involved for years in managing golf events. His company, Peter Jacobsen Sports, also has an office in Southwest Florida.
“Golf’s very important to me in my life,’’ Jacobsen said after playing in the Immokalee Foundation’s charity tournament at Bay Colony Golf Club on Monday. “I love to play golf. I don’t care if it’s in a pro-am or it’s in competition. I just enjoy the game. I think my recent health struggles have made me appreciate it even more.
“So for me to be involved in golf down here, whether it’s for the Immokalee Foundation or whether it’s with a Champions Tour event like the ACE Group Classic, is very special.’’
Jacobsen has had a hip replacement, laser spine surgery, and a knee replacement in recent years.
Jacobsen, a former U.S. Senior Open and Senior Players Championship winner, also is one of game’s biggest entertainers.
ACE Group Classic tournament director Jason Camp couldn’t confirm either of the changes for the event, which is Feb. 16-22.
“We’ve got a lot of things exciting things that we can’t wait to get out in the community and the general public,’’ Camp said. “We’ve got a plan in place, and we look forward to announcing everything (today).’’
The new TPC course is not scheduled to open until Dec. 2, and there is not a clubhouse. Last week, the tournament announced it was leaving Quail West Golf & Country Club, its site in 2007 and 2008, because of the financial uncertainty surrounding Quail West developer Ginn Cos. There were two years remaining on its contract.
Even though he is a member of Quail West, 2008 ACE Champion Scott Hoch didn’t learn about the change of venue until a call from the Daily News.
“I’m disappointed it is moving away from Quail West,” Hoch said Monday morning. “But I am sure they made the best decision possible for the tournament.”
“I’m glad Peter stepped up,’’ said Fuzzy Zoeller, a Champions Tour player and Naples National Golf Club member. “All of the players enjoy playing. They always have a great tournament, a good following down here.’’
The first nine of the TPC Treviso Bay course, which was designed by Arthur Hills and Champions Tour player Hal Sutton, opened in April. The clubhouse is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2010.
“We’ve played many tournaments over my 32 years ... that don’t either have a clubhouse or they don’t let us in the clubhouse,’’ Jacobsen said. “Actually, building a temporary facility almost works better, because you’re actually building the facility that you want.’’
“I imagine it will be an inconvenience but we have played in regular tour events where there wasn’t a clubhouse,” Hoch said.
“Hey, what the heck, as long as there’s a tournament, who cares?’’ said Champions Tour player and part-time Tiburon resident Wayne Levi.
As for playing a new course instead of Quail West, Hoch once again said he was disappointed but said this makes it a level playing field.
“It’s going to be new to everyone,” Hoch said. “Besides the tournament, I had only ever played 18 holes at Quail West, so there wasn’t really an advantage for me just because I own a home there.”
Hoch made an 8-foot birdie on both the final hole of regulation and the first hole of a four-way playoff to win the 2008 ACE in its second year at Quail West.
Staff writer Tom Hanson contributed to this article.
Posted earlier:
ACE Group Classic tournament director Jason Camp and Champions Tour professional Peter Jacobsen will be announcing important changes for the 2009 ACE Group Classic on Tuesday at a press conference at TPC Treviso Bay.
The new TPC course is not scheduled to open until Dec. 2, and there is not a clubhouse. Last week, the tournament announced it was leaving Quail West Golf & Country Club, its site in 2007 and 2008, because of the financial uncertainty surrounding Quail West developer Ginn Cos. There were two years remaining on its contract.
Jacobsen confirmed Monday that the 2009 event will be played at Treviso Bay.
"We've got a lot of things exciting things that we can't wait to get out in the community and the general public,'' Camp said. "We've got a plan in place, and we look forward to announcing everything tomorrow.''
Even though he is a member of Quail West, 2008 ACE Champion Scott Hoch didn’t learn about the change of venue until a call from the Daily News.
“I’m disappointed it is moving away from Quail West,” Hoch said Monday morning. “But I am sure they made the best decision possible for the tournament.”
The TPC Treviso Bay course, which was designed by Arthur Hills and Champions Tour player Hal Sutton, isn’t set to be completed until the first week in December. The players however will not have the luxury of a clubhouse, which hasn’t been built.
“I imagine it will be an inconvenience but we have played in regular tour events where there wasn’t a clubhouse,” Hoch said.
As for playing a new course instead of Quail West, Hoch once again said he was disappointed but said this makes it a level playing field.
“It’s going to be new to everyone,” Hoch said. “Besides the tournament, I had only ever played 18 holes at Quail West, so there wasn’t really an advantage for me just because I own a home there.”
Hoch made an 8-foot birdie on both the final hole of regulation and the first hole of a four-way playoff to win the 2008 ACE in its second year at Quail West.(source:naples news 11-17-2008)

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Shark Shootout Dec.10-14 in Naples-Pairings Announced

2008-11-14T12:00:00.004-05:00

Merrill Lynch Shootout host Greg Norman announced the pairings for the 20th edition of his tournament set to play at the Tiburon Golf Club at the Ritz Carlton in Naples December 10th to 14th.A snapshot of the 11 teams looking to dethrone Austin and Calcavecchia:

Greg Norman & Camilo Villegas – Norman, a World Golf Hall of Fame member, will match up well with one of the best young players in the game. The twosome will probably be doing some homework as they prepare to represent the International Team in next year’s Presidents Cup competition, where Norman is the captain. Villegas, won back-to-back titles during the FedEx Cup playoffs, including THE TOUR Championship, which vaulted him up the International points list to the No.2 spot.

Stewart Cink & Fred Couples – This twosome represented the U.S. on several Presidents Cup teams at the same time and will perhaps do so again next year. Couples will serve as captain and Cink, who was victorious at this year’s Travelers Championship, is a regular among the top 20 in the world rankings.

J.B. Holmes & Boo Weekley – When you are not watching Holmes launch drives beyond comprehension you can be entertained by the impeccable ball striking and down-home humor of Weekley. As evidenced by their success at the Ryder Cup and two individual titles during the 2008 season, this team has incredible talent and could be in contention coming down the stretch Sunday.

Paul Azinger & Rocco Mediate – Both enjoyed moments during the 2008 season that will long be remembered as incredible performances in golf lore. Because of their accomplishments they probably will be smiling all week regardless of the competition’s outcome. Azinger was captain of the victorious United States Ryder Cup and Mediate lived a dream as he battled Tiger Woods for the U.S. Open title.

Graeme McDowell & Ian Poulter – The always colorfully dressed Poulter was runner-up at the British Open earlier this year and had the best record among the Europeans in the Ryder Cup in September. He is joined by fellow Ryder Cup teammate McDowell, who won twice on the European Tour and finished 5th on the Order of Merit this year. This rookie team both ranked in the top 35 in the world could be tough to handle.

Scott Hoch & Kenny Perry – Have combined for five titles this year alone and 23 throughout the years. Hoch won twice on the Champions Tour and Perry three times on the PGA TOUR. Perry was also instrumental in front of his home crowd to help the U.S. to victory at the Ryder Cup in Louisville.

Chris DiMarco & Fred Funk – Here we have a Florida Gator and a Maryland Terrapin, who seem to never find the water. This team represents two of the most consistent ball-strikers in golf. While DiMarco has battled through injury this year, Funk split time on both Tours this year. He won twice on the Champions Tour and finished second in the season-long points race by 12 points to Jay Haas.

Jerry Kelly & Steve Stricker – This snowbird team could cause loads of trouble for the field. Both live in Madison, Wisconsin and are among the toughest competitors on TOUR. Plus, Kelly knows how to win at Tiburón, having done so with Rod Pampling only two years ago.

Brad Faxon & Scott McCarron – This is one of the more dominant teams at the Merrill Lynch Shootout in the past eight years. They won back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001 and finished second in 2003. This year will mark the fifth time this duo has teamed up at the Shootout. As individuals, both McCarron and Faxon are tied with Couples and Steve Elkington for the most Shootout victories with three.

Zach Johnson & Scott Verplank – Johnson’s 2007 Masters victory ignited more great performances from this sturdy competitor. He won in Atlanta and again a few weeks ago. The two compliment each other well as Verplank, a five-time winner continues another consistent year. Note: these two won the 2006 Wendy’s 3 Tour Challenge.Nick Price & Jeff Sluman – This partnership of major champions is worth watching. While both spend more of their time on the Champions Tour these days, they combine for a solid threat. Hall of Fame member Price has over 40 victories worldwide while Sluman has been one of the game’s most consistent competitors.

The Merrill Lynch Shootout will once again feature a modified alternate shot format during the first round, a better ball Saturday and a final-round scramble. Golf Channel will televise Friday's coverage and NBC will broadcast the weekend activities.Entering its 20th year, the Merrill Lynch Shootout was created by Norman to raise awareness and charitable offerings for the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Tickets for Southwest Florida’s only PGA TOUR sanctioned event are on sale now. Orders can be placed three ways - calling 888-66-SHARK, visiting Alf’s Golf Shop in Naples or at http://www.mlsshootout.com

(source: NBC2 News, 11-2008)

Naples Florida Homes for Sale

Naples Luxury Golf Homes

Hal Sutton finished with Treviso Bay, Ready for Tour

2008-10-17T11:38:00.003-04:00

Three weeks ago, Hal Sutton decided to get out his golf clubs. After four years away from the game, the 50-year-old circled the Champions Tour’s event near Houston for his return.
A golf course hundreds of miles to the southeast may have played a small role in his decision. Sutton was the PGA Tour’s consultant with architect Arthur Hills on the Tournament Players Club Treviso Bay, which opened nine holes in Naples during the spring. The remainder of the course is near completion, and ground was broken on the clubhouse in May.
The mind-set it took for Sutton in the design process — thinking about how a tour player would approach each hole — helped him keep some of the mental approach.
“It did keep my mind fresh, knowing how I felt everybody wanted to picture a hole in their mind, and then see it with green grass on it,” Sutton said Thursday in a press conference for the Administaff Small Business Classic, where he will make his Champions Tour debut today.
Treviso Bay general manager Bill Delayo wasn’t surprised to hear Sutton talk highly of the course.
“He’s been dedicated and passionate about it from Day 1,” he said. “That’s great, when you have a tour player that wants to have that much influence. I think it really is reflected in the final product.”
Having Sutton’s name out there is a boost for Treviso Bay.
“We’re thrilled to have Hal out on tour doing what he loves to do best,” Delayo said. “The more success he can have, it’s only going to be more beneficial to Treviso Bay’s brand.”
Sutton and Hills had serious discussions on the layout of many holes, including what length the final hole should play at. Eventually, the pair of nines were switched, giving players a par-5 as the finishing hole.
“Treviso Bay was a fun project with (VK Development’s) Sanjay (Kuttemperoor) and his family,” Sutton said. “They wanted a tremendous product, and hopefully they think they have it, now that we’re finished with it.”
Sutton hopes that final product will be the home to a professional tour event, a hope shared by VK Development.
“We built that golf course with Tour players in mind, trying to keep it fair as we possibly could keep it for the average player,” Sutton said. “I think it will be very challenging when and if we ever get there. I think we probably will one day.”
Just over six months ago when he played Treviso Bay’s first round on the nine holes, Sutton was noncommittal on playing the Champions Tour. Sutton’s last PGA Tour victory was at The Woodlands, the same course the Champions Tour is at this week, so he thought making his debut there made sense.
“I wanted to play these last two events,” said Sutton, who will also play next week in San Antonio. “They were close to home. Kind of stick my toe in the water, if you will, see what needs to be done in the offseason and really go at this full steam ahead next year.”
When Sutton picked up his clubs again last month, it didn’t take him much time to run out of steam.
“When you haven’t played that much, to go out and spend two or three hours on the practice tee was exhausting,” said Sutton, who won 14 tour events, including two Players Championships and the 1983 PGA. “So this has been a slow, gradual process.”(Source: Naples News, 10-16-2008)

David William Auston specializes in luxury golf real estate in Naples, Florida. David@DavidNaples.com

Tuscany Reserve Naples, Florida Update

2008-09-23T18:33:00.002-04:00

Tuscany Reserve is currently under new ownership and it's likely that it will take some time for the new ownership to regroup and begin offering homes again. The word around the community is that homes will not be offered for sale again until the summer of 2009. The clubhouse will be the number one project for new ownership in the coming months. WCI attempted to sell a condo product from the 500k range a couple months prior to the sale of the community. That land devoted to the condo product will likely be turned to a villa product starting in the low 1 million range. Tuscany Reserve aims to be an elite luxury golf community in Naples. Anyone who plays the golf course and views the unique architecture will liken it to no other community in the United States.

View Naples Florida Luxury Golf Homes/Communities, Tuscany Reserve, Mediterra Naples

Mediterra golf club tries drought resistant grass

2008-09-10T11:50:00.003-04:00

Scott Whorrall, Mediterra's director of golf operations, is experimenting with grass - Empire Zoysia, to be exact.
The turf is a hardy variety that requires less than half the water and a third of the fertilizer of the widely used St. Augustine grass.
"We put this in as an experiment," Whorrall said of the 26,000 square feet of turf that surrounds the Sports Club.
"We're looking to see if this is an option to replace our existing St. Augustine grass. It's too early to tell how much water we'll save, but it is certainly nicer looking and more pleasant to walk on than St. Augustine grass."
With stringent water-use regulations in force throughout the region and a growing number of communities passing laws limiting the use of fertilizer to protect water quality, it's important for developments such as Mediterra to find turf and landscaping plants that require less of both, Whorrall said.
Empire Zoysia performs well on both fronts.
Riverland Nursery, owned by Mayer Berg, assisted Whorrall in selecting plants and turf that reduce the need for irrigation. Riverland and Bethel Farms in Arcadia, supplied Mediterra's Empire Zoysia, while Paraisso Landscape of Lehigh Acres installed it. All three are working with Whorrall on the trial.
"Scott is a leader in sustainable landscaping," said Berg, who is also a member of the Sustainable Landscape Council. "Mediterra was the first private 36-hole golf course to earn the Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary status, and this project is in keeping with that philosophy."
Discovered in Brazil, this grass possesses a deep root structure that allows it to tolerate drought. Its dark green, densely packed blades provide a lush, soft carpet of grass that requires little fertilizer to maintain. It's also shade tolerant and chinch-bug resistant.
"When there's a drought, it turns brown but comes right back when it gets water," said Mike Pope, Bethel Farms national sales manager and acting president of the Sustainable Landscape Council.
"St. Augustine will fight the drought until it eventually dies. Chinch bugs like dry areas. It's a perfect recipe for catastrophe. It's a one-two punch. Drought and chinch bugs. That's where we see Empire survive on a long-term basis much better than other varieties."
Faustino Torres, owner of Paraisso Landscape, says some people are hesitant about buying it because it looks so luxurious and carpet like.
"They think it will cost more because it's a nicer grass, but it's completely the opposite," Torres says. "It saves money all the way around. At Mediterra, little maintenance is necessary and it looks great. If it's handled like golf course turf, it will be spectacular."
Once-a-week watering keeps Empire Zoysia looking green and healthy.
The minimal amount of fertilizer it requires is another big plus.
Communities such as Naples and Sanibel, as well as Lee and Sarasota counties have laws that limit the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen because both nutrients can wash off lawns and into waterways, causing algal blooms that kill fish and marine grasses.
Empire Zoysia needs infrequent fertilization and, during the summer rainy season when fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus are banned, Zoysia continues to thrive.
"It can be greened up with iron," says Pope. "It's a healthier way of growing."
The Sports Club at Mediterra is undergoing an expansion that will increase the building's existing 7,852 square feet to more than 14,000 square feet. Bonita Bay Group, which is developing the 1,697-acre North Naples master-planned community, is adding three spa treatment rooms, including a couple's treatment room, and a multipurpose room with a catering kitchen that will function as a large classroom.
The project is expected to be completed late this year. A growing membership prompted the expansion project.(source: newspress 8-16-08)

David William Auston is a Mediterra real estate specialist and can be contacted at (239) 273-1376 or David@DavidNaples.com

Where to look for local Naples Florida Golf Tournaments?

2008-07-29T14:07:00.003-04:00

Are you feeling competitive?? Naples, Florida has one of the highest ratios of golf courses per resident in the world! Naples always has a great selection of golf tournaments and events. I've found that the go to place to find these local tournaments is in the wednesday sports section of the Naples Daily Newspaper. Every Wednesday there is a special golf section where all of the local tournaments, junior events, and charity golf tournaments are advertised. Hopefully this helps!!

David William Auston specializes in luxury golf real real estate in Naples, Florida and can be contacted at (239) 273-1376 or David@DavidNaples.com

Local resident PGA Player updates

2008-07-09T13:14:00.010-04:00

Naples’ Rocco Mediate of Tuscany Reserve in Naples skipped Monday’s British Open qualifier in Dearborn, Mich., but he still has a couple of ways the U.S. Open runner-up can get into the next major.
Mediate is playing in this week’s AT&T National. If he finishes in the top 10, he’ll earn a spot, or if he plays in and does so in next week’s John Deere Classic. Mediate, who is 54th on the money list, could also get in as one of two players who have earned the most PGA Tour official money from The Players Championship and five co-sponsored and approved events leading up to and including the AT&T National. Mediate tied for 28th Sunday in the Buick Open, his first official event since the U.S. Open playoff.

Fort Myers’ George McNeill, who skipped the Buick, is playing in the AT&T National. He dropped eight spots to 92nd on the money list.

Fredrik Jacobson, who plays out of West Bay Club, had a season-best tie for ninth at the Buick Open. And he almost used that momentum to qualify for the British Open. Jacobson lost out in a five-way playoff in Dearborn for the final spot.

Bonita Springs’ Peter Jacobsen out of Bonita Bay struggled in his return to the Champions Tour at last week’s Commerce Bank Championship. Jacobsen, who had been out since undergoing knee replacement surgery three months ago, tied for 74th.

2008 ACE Group Classic champion Scott Hoch tied for 14th, and part-time Miromar Lakes resident Chip Beck and part-time Tiburon resident Wayne Levi tied for 29th.

Gary Hallberg, who is a golf ambassador at West Bay, and part-time Naples resident and Calusa Pines Golf Club member John Harris tied for 55th.

Beck, Hallberg, Harris, Levi and Fuzzy Zoeller, a Naples National Golf Club member, are playing in this week’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Open.(source: naplesnews 7-2-2008)

David Auston specializes in luxury golf real estate. He can be reached at (239) 273-1376 or David@DavidNaples.com

Ritz Carlton selected as No. 1 golf resort for 2008

2008-06-10T13:10:00.005-04:00

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, ranks as the top golf resort in Florida in a Conde Nast Traveler survey of readers for 2008. In the 13th annual survey, the resort ranks 9th in the list of "Top 100 Golf Resorts" in North America, the Carribbean, the Atlantic, Ireland, and Scotland. That's up from 15th place last year.

This year's rankings can be found in the June issue of the magazine. The annual readers' poll rates golf resorts on the strength and design of courses, as well as the level of service and accomodations provided.

"It's an honor to be recognized by the readers of "Conde Nast Traveler," said Mike McMahon, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort's general manager, in a statement.

The golf resort, with 295 rooms, has been named one of the "Top 100 Golf Resorts" every year since opening in 2002. It's a AAA Five Diamond, Mobil Four-Star property with a pair of 18-hole signature Greg Norman golf courses at Tiburon.(source: naples daily, 6-6-2008)

View homes for sale in Tiburon Ritz-Carlton

David William Auston specializes in luxury golf real estate in Naples FL. Contact him at David@DavidNaples.com or (239) 273-1376

Tuscany Reserve in Naples, Fl Sold!

2008-05-27T12:07:00.005-04:00

After several other deals fell through, WCI, headquartered in Bonita Springs, closed on a sale Thursday to a group of European and Middle Eastern investors. The sale price was not disclosed. Observers pegged it at about $65 million. The buyer is AB Naples LLC, which describes itself as a “well-financed international investor group.” It was an all-cash deal, said Rainer Filthaut, president of AB Tuscany Holdings Inc., the parent company of the purchaser.
“The dollar is low. The real estate prices are low. So that was for sure two reasons to invest in this property. Plus they got a very good price on it,” he said. The community, hc off Livingston Road at the Lee-Collier line, spans more than 460 acres. WCI invested hundreds of millions in the community to create an authentic Tuscan Village with arched stone bridges, towering fountains, pavers and lush landscaping, including a berm of bushes and trees facing Interstate 75. “I think it’s a very good community. It’s high end,” Filthaut said.
WCI put the community on a list of assets for sale last year, as it looked for ways to stay afloat in a sluggish market. In its most recent quarter, the company lost $84.1 million, or $2 a share. That’s blamed primarily on fewer sales and high number of cancellations, with so many would-be purchasers walking away from their contracts.
WCI designed Tuscany Reserve as its most exclusive golf course haven and expected to sell a limited number of homes for $2 million to $5 million, with golf membership in the range of $200,000. But it never really took off. In the last year, WCI has repositioned the community, offering homes for less than $1 million. There is an inventory of three homes, two condominiums and a villa. Most of the community has yet to be developed. It’s permitted for 530 homes and only about 30 have been built, Filthaut said. “We want to maintain the high quality and high standing of the community. So we are not going to increase density,” he said. He expects the community to continue selling similar-style homes and condos in the range of $1 million to $4 million. Over the next few months, Filthaut plans to put together a marketing and sales team. A new strategy for selling the homes will be developed.
“I think we will really be back selling maybe in 9 to 12 months because we want to make sure the clubhouse is done and that people really see something is happening.”
One of the biggest complaints by residents has been the unfinished clubhouse. Some roads are not paved yet either.
The purchase of Tuscany Reserve is the first venture into the U.S. real estate market for AB Naples LLC. But the company is looking for others, Filthaut said.(source: naples daily 5-15-2008)

Tuscany Reserve Homes For Sale

David William Auston specializes in luxury golf real estate in Naples, Florida and can be reached at (239) 273-1376 or David@DavidNaples.com

The Quarry-6k/ year for a private membership!

2008-04-28T15:11:00.003-04:00

The Quarry, which is located in North Naples is a newer gated golf course community. The Quarry is an example of another beautiful golf community in Naples that just flat out opened it's doors for sale when the market took a turn for the worse 3 years ago. What many people don't know is that they are currently offering a year to year family golf membership for 6k/year with nothing due upfront. Most country clubs in Naples require an upfront refundable deposit(45k+) and many times it takes a while to sell your membership to a new member. The Quarry is a brand new course and has some beautiful scenery, including an old quarry crane in the back section of the golf course. The quarry also has some unique waterfront property with boat docks on their expansive fresh water lakes. Visit www.DavidNaples.com/quarry for Quarry real estate for sale.

David Auston specializes in luxury golf real estate in Naples, Florida and can be reached at (239) 273-1376 or David@DavidNaples.com

TPC at Treviso Bay unveils front 9!

2008-04-10T09:28:00.005-04:00

Hal Sutton and Arthur Hills unveiled half of their creation Thursday. They walked stride-for-stride down the lush nine holes of Naples’ newest course like proud papas outside of a delivery room.
They didn’t pass out cigars or pat each other on the back. Instead they talked about tinkering. They questioned their decisions. They continued to search for perfection and debate the design. So much so, Sutton almost started reconsidering his own view of the ninth hole. It was the 18th hole in the original plans until Sutton, the winner of the 1983 PGA Championship, said it was too easy and not a finishing hole worthy of potentially hosting a tour event.
“Now that it is completed it is much more intimidating than I had imagined,” Sutton said about the 392-yard par-4 that was once planned for a mere 320 yards.
Sutton and Hills are so alike that they had to clash.
They both have personalities and egos larger than the clubhouse planned for the site.
They should. They both are extremely successful. And their opinions have more teeth than the baby alligator who has found a new home on the lake at the ninth tee.
Sure, Sutton and Hills are two of the greatest names associated with the game, and the TPC Treviso Bay is fortunate, but it’s not about their fame. It’s their search for perfection and their love of the game that will ultimately make TPC Treviso Bay worthy of being talked about in the ranks of great golf courses.(source: Naples Daily News, 4-3-2008)

David William Auston specializes in luxury golf real estate and be contacted at (239) 273-1376 or David@DavidNaples.com

Reciprical Golf Rates/Benefits in Summer

2008-04-02T13:44:00.004-04:00

Now that our "season" has ended many of the top golf courses scale back their rates due to fewer vacationers and seasonal residents. April 1st marks some of the best times to play golf in Naples, Florida because of a great mix between low green fees and great weather. If you are currently a member of country club in Naples, it also opens up a fantastic selection of reciprical courses that trade with one another during the summer. For example, a member of Mediterra can have their golf pro call Grey Oaks and get a tee time if available during season, but the cost is quite high($200+), but out of season the reciprical rates become quite appealing in the $50 dollar/round range and easy access to tee times.. Another insider note, is that developers like WCI have some wonderful private golf clubs that will allow some public play.. The Colony at Pelican Landing and Tuscany Reserve are beautiful private courses and many don't know that they'll allow some public play if you're willing to pay!

David Auston specializes in Luxury Golf Real Estate in Naples, Florida. Email him at David@DavidNaples.com or call at (239) 273-1376.

Great time to buy a home..Great time to buy a golf membership!

2008-03-18T14:24:00.004-04:00

Not only is it a great time to buy a home, but golf memberships have followed the path of home prices here in Naples, Florida over the past couple years in some places. Many courses have given discounted rates or have offered promotions to entice new members. It's just a great all around time to be a buyer of real estate or a golf membership! The media will always capitalize on negative information because it sells papers, but this is exactly the time when savvy buyers reap the benefits of motivated sellers!

For example: Lely Resort(54 holes) now offers a 25,000 non-refundable membership as opposed to it's previous 45,000 dollar membership with the normal waiting list and 70% equity. The true value is when you look back in 10 years and see how cheaply you were able to get in.

Tuscany Reserve was ranked the #1 best maintained new golf course in 2006 and they are now offering a 3 year refundable trial membership for 35,000 dollars! The member only pays the annual dues and may get his full 35,000 back after the 3 years or put the money toward the full 105k membership.

David Auston specializes in luxury golf real estate in Naples, Florida David@DavidNaples.com or 239.273.1376

Greg Norman & Pete Dye to play the Tuscany Reserve Member-Guest

2008-02-26T09:35:00.005-05:00

Tuscany Reserve in Naples, Florida was designed by two of golf's greatest legends, Greg Norman and Pete Dye, but the two have never played the course? Tuscany Reserve has been open for 3 years and the two have decided to join the members this Friday morning for a fun day of golf in a 2 man scramble format followed by a Question & Answer session. Greg Norman is well known in Naples, Florida for his extremely popular charity golf outing called The Shark Shootout. Many of golf's great's, including Fred Couples, Woody Austin, and the fan favorite John Daly have come for years and years for the popular event. Tuscany Reserve is a Tuscan inspired community that is unlike any other luxury golf community in Florida! This is probably the reason why Greg Norman & Pete Dye signed on to help design the course and this being only the second course they've collaborated on since Hobe Sound in 1994.. Tuscany Reserve Real Estate

David Auston specializes in Luxury Golf Real Estate in Naples, Florida and can be reached at (239) 273-1376 or David@DavidNaples.com