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1/1/2008
World-Class Golf a Main Focus at Fiddler's Creek
NAPLES, Fla. (January, 2008)--For many years Southwest Florida has been a top destination for those who love golf. And for those golfers looking to purchase a new home in one of Naples' most prestigious communities, the golf course plays a very important role in their buying decision.
That fact has not gone unnoticed at Fiddler's Creek, the nearly 4,000-acre golf course and resort-lifestyle community being developed by the Gulf Bay Group of Companies. Fiddler's Creek is located on Collier Boulevard, three miles south of US 41.
Although the community offers all the amenity options buyers find attractive, including a spectacular clubhouse with fitness center, spa services, resort-style pool complex, and casual and formal dining, the majority of luxury homebuyers often ask the most questions about the golf course and the overall golfing experience.
Many area communities may offer golf, but only a few, including Fiddler's Creek, have taken the golf experience to its highest level and can describe that experience by the ultimate golf term - World-Class.
The Gulf Bay Group of Companies, founded more than 20 years ago, strongly believes a World-Class resort town like Naples is closely associated with World-Class golf courses and amenities.
"World-Class means that we have beautifully designed golf courses by the pre-eminent golf course architects in the world of golf. The construction of the course is superbly executed and the golf clubhouse, which is currently in the design stage, will be architecturally superior and the design elements will be of the highest quality," stated John Calabria, Director of Golf Operations and Sales.
He continued, "The quality and experience of our Director of Golf and Senior PGA Golf Professional Ben Bryant and Golf Course Superintendent Jim Vajen, along with their incredibly talented staff, also make – and will continue to make Fiddler’s Creek World-Class.”
Fiddler's Creek features a championship golf course, The Creek Course, for those residents who opt to become members of The Golf Club at Fiddler's Creek. A second course, The Preserve Course, is currently being designed by Hurzdan/Fry,
Construction on The Creek Course began in November 2000 and was open for play on February 1, 2002. The 18 hole, Par 72 course measures 7,157 yards from the tournament tees and cost $18 million to design, construct and landscape.
Due to the fact that The Creek Course, and the entire community of Fiddler's Creek, are located within a natural setting, approximately $5 million was spent to landscape The Creek Course and enhance the dramatic natural environment.
According to Calabria, The Creek Course at Fiddler's Creek has been recognized as one of the best in the world. "For three consecutive years, The Creek Course at Fiddler's Creek made the Top 100 list of Golfweek's Best Residential Golf Courses," said Calabria.
Recently, the editors of LINKS Magazine also selected Fiddler's Creek as one of America's 100 Premier Properties. Hunki Yun, the editor of LINKS magazine, explained why in a letter that was sent to The Gulf Bay Group of Companies in November.
"As a Premier Property, your community showcases first-class golf as the centerpiece of its lifestyle, as well as a dedication to overall excellence. Properties were selected based on the quality of the golf course, housing options, location, facilities, amenities options and more," wrote Yun.
The letter continued, "The number of golf course real estate communities has risen sharply in the United States and around the world, making the home-buying process a difficult task. Our readers are always searching for information that helps identify potential communities in which to live. Our 2007/2008 Premier Properties Guide makes that selection process easier."
The prestigious selection by LINKS Magazine confirms founder of Gulf Bay Aubrey Ferrao’s vision for Fiddler’s Creek. “My vision for Fiddler’s Creek in the golf world – is to be a Golf Mecca – where top end resort golf is created and defined,” he said.
Designing and building a World-Class golf course is just the beginning. Continually maintaining the course to the highest level takes a team of dedicated professionals and staff working around the clock.
Calabria said despite the national recognition The Creek Course at Fiddler's Creek has received over the years, there is always room for improvement - specially if it helps the environment.
“During the past summer we closed the course and replaced the grass on the greens with paspaluum grass,” explained Calabria. “The new grass is salt water tolerant, which will mean less irrigation, making The Creek Course at Fiddler’s Creek even more environmentally friendly.”
Calabria added the members of The Golf Club at Fiddler's Creek are very happy with the changes.
“Once on the green, the ball rolls much truer because of the new grass,” said Calabria. “So, not only are we helping to conserve irrigation water, we are also enhancing our member’s golfing experience – whether they make the putt or not.”
Fiddler's Creek is located on Collier Boulevard, three miles south of US 41 East. The sales center is located at 8152 Fiddler's Creek Parkway. For additional information call (239) 732-9300 or visit their Web site at www.fiddlerscreek.com.
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