There are few communities in Naples that have all of the amenities that Windstar on Naples Bay has. Actually I can't think of any that have such a complete recipe for success right outside of your front door. It has excellent proximity to downtown, gated and manned secured access, superb large clubhouse, competitive tennis programs, private beach club, fully staffed pro shop, fitness facility with personal training available, fifteen distinct neighborhoods and a marina complex with separate meeting area and pool, plus a huge driving range overlooking the Gordon River and a fantastic golf course. Reciprocal social and golf memberships are available during the off-season with over 70 other fabulous local clubs.
Prices here range from $189,800 for a 2/3 condominium up to $1,950,000 for 5,672 square feet of single family home as of today, however there have been some which far exceeded that price in the past. Currently 32 residences are actively being marketed and this number will most likely be growing in the coming weeks. There is an excellent number of rental homes here too which can provide the experience without the long term commitment. Various voluntary golf and social memberships are available also.
The focus for today is going to be the Tom Fazio designed golf course. His 200 or so courses are recognized through out the World and in Florida alone he has built at least 40. His accomplishments include having the highest number of top 100 rated golf course designs by any single architect. I have had the pleasure to enjoy twelve of his designs from Naples to West Palm Beach and Tequesta to Jacksonville. Tom Fazio has been the recipient of the Golf Digest's award for excellence in golf course design in 1991. 1993 and 1995. When he describes his philosophy behind his design it's a matter of playability vs. difficulty. He's quoted as saying "Golf shouldn't be overly difficult, but it shouldn't be easy."
The most remarkable feature is that all skill levels will experience tension, drama and beauty on each of his courses. Keeping a natural setting allows for the appearance of fair play and an aesthetically pleasing course. Today's courses are designed with power and distance in mind which captures the physical improvements which the athletes have brought to the game. Windstar was built in 1982 and although it remains challenging to many it does not bring the grand level of expectation the newer courses do today. That being said it holds many of the features which test your skills as a golfer without the necessity of having to hit 300 plus yard drives.
The best part about the Tom Fazio course is that, if you play enough of them, enough times, you'll actually be able to see what his vision was in the original design. Never to a 90 or 100% level but enough to understand that what appears to be too easy of a shot is going to be just that. His greens are always fortified with protection, some visible and some blind. An elevation here an angle there coupled with wide openness and subtle undulations. Visually, many appear identical yet their play is anything but.
I can almost guarantee that no matter which Tom Fazio course you play it will be memorable and enjoyable and you'll not regret returning time and time again. Try Windstar on Naples Bay for a unique experience in a most luxurious multitasking community.
Comments(2)