September 24, 2015 Posted by Matt

Does a big backswing translate into more distance?  A common misconception among golfers is that a long backswing will help produce a longer drive.  Actually, if you go beyond parallel at the top of your swing, you have now placed the club in a position where you have to make a corrective move.  If the club dips at the top, you will have to lift it back up before you get it in a position to start down with the force of your turn and with gravity.  Stop your backswing when your shoulder jest under or just past your chin and your hands remain firm at the top.

September 23, 2015 Posted by Matt

The latest real estate transactions  show Marco Island Sales Dip in August.  Single-family home sales on Marco dropped 38 percent compared with the same month last year. Marco Island sales of condos also showed a decline falling from 38 to 32 or 16 percent from August 2014.  Inventory of single-family homes also fell to 241, or 11 percent, in August compared with August of last year. And condo inventory last month decreased to 225, or 11 percent, over the same month last year. A total of $36 million dollars worth of real estate closed on Marco Island in August.

Marco Island is located in Collier County at the Southwestern tip of the state of Florida.  Known for it’s beautiful beaches and laid back atmosphere, Marco Island is truly paradise.  The latest senses shows there area just over 16,000 people who live on the island although many of them are seasonal residents.

Are you considering buying a second home in Marco Island?  Or perhaps the Naples area?  Let me be your guide.  (Matt Klinowski – 239-370-0892)

September 23, 2015 Posted by Matt

Here is a tip to avoid a three putt. Don’t look away from a putt that runs past the hole.  When you hit a putt too hard, it is a normal reaction to look away in frustration.  However, if you keep looking at the ball as it goes by the hole, you will be able to see how your next putt breaks.  This is important information since you will want to avoid a three putt green.  Getting the read of your next putt will help you to make the comeback putt and save a stroke.

September 22, 2015 Posted by Matt

USA Today recently published the Top 10 Luxury Travel Destinations in America.  Participants of USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice poll voted Naples, Florida the nation’s top “Best Destination for Luxury Travelers”. After being selected as a nominee by a panel of experts, including USA Today editors, 10Best and other travel contributors, Naples finished first on the list ahead of other luxury destinations including Beverly Hills and Maui.

Here’s how USA Today describes Naples:

Considered by many to be the crown jewel of Southwest Florida, Naples epitomizes the term “swanky,” with top-notch resorts, world class shopping, elegant dining, trendy watering holes and sophisticated art galleries galore. For outdoor types, silky beaches, airboat tours, jet pack adventures, fishing excursions, championship golf courses and more await. Fifth Ave, between 3rd and 9th streets is the spot for wining and dining.

Top 10 Luxury Travel Destinations

1.   Naples, FL
2.   Beverly Hills, CA
3.   Lanai, HI
4.   Aspen, CO
5.   Maui, HI
6.   Las Vegas, NV
7.   Scottsdale, AZ
8.   Vail, CO
9.   Kauai, HI
10.   Newport, RI

Many people who visit Naples fall in love with with the area. My wife and I did, which is why we moved to the area. If you are considering buying a home in Naples FL, let me be your guide.

Matt Klinowski – 239-595-5589

September 21, 2015 Posted by Matt

Par three tee boxes can be in poor shape.  Par three holes usually have a lot of divots, sand, and unevenness because of the constant iron use and maintenance needed for those particular tees.  You should pick your stance carefully so you are not standing in a divot hole, a sand-filled divot, or loose or uneven turf.  Remember that you can move back two club lengths from the tee markers.  Take advantage of the Rule so you can find some good grass and a flat lie for your shot.  You can lay down your driver to measure two club lengths even though you will not be hitting it for that shot.

September 20, 2015 Posted by Matt

Fat shots are when the club strikes the ground behind the ball, and can be one of the most frustrating shots in golf.  There are several causes of fat shots, but a common one occurs because you stand too far from the ball.  If you hit fat shots, try to see if you are coming up on your toes as you come into the ball.  If you are, you are moving your body in a way that will cause you to stick the club into the ground.  Try standing a little more upright and make an up-and-down move with your arms and hands so that you come down on the back of the ball at a sharp angle instead of coming in low and flat to the ground.

September 18, 2015 Posted by Matt

Additional market highlights for the 12-months ending July 2015:

To learn more about the latest market statistics available for July of this year

View Naples Golf Guy’s September 2015 Market Report

September 18, 2015 Posted by Matt

A great way to sharpen your putting skills and simulate on-course conditions is to play nine-hole matches on the practice green against a friend.  Place a small wager or a beverage on the results and play nine holes, putting to holes of different distances and breaks.  Go through your routine and line up each putt.  Putt all balls out with no “gimmies” to sharpen your short putt skills.  After practicing in this manner, you will get a better sense of putting under pressure and how to focus on the green. So go find and friend and head to the practice green!

September 17, 2015 Posted by Matt

Keep it simple.  Rather than guess how hard to hit your chip shots with the same club, try using this simple chipping formula for success.  Land all of your chip shots exactly one pace on to the green.  Set your distances by using different clubs.  Start with a sand wedge, land it one pace on the green and see how far it goes.  Go to a pitching wedge, then a nine iron, and eight iron until you go through them all, and you can see how far each will roll.  This way, all you have to do is hit the ball one pace on the green, and the club will do the rest. It is much easier than using a wedge and guessing at how far the ball will carry and whether the ball will spin or roll out.

Local Foreclosures

Following the national trend, local foreclosures in both Lee County and Collier County fell during the month of August according to the latest U.S. Foreclosure Market Report by RealtyTrac.  The report shows total foreclosures in Lee County came in at 398 units during August which is down significantly compared to the same month last year when there were 863 units.  Collier County foreclosures also saw a slight decrease falling from 168 in August 2014 down to 152 in August of this year.  For the first time since June of 2012, Florida has finally dropped out of the top three highest stats for foreclosures.  Nevada, Maryland and New Jersey now lead the country in foreclosures.

On the downside, bank repossessions increased from a year ago in 36 states, including Florida (up 23 percent), California (up 31 percent), Texas (up 168 percent), Ohio (up 35 percent), and New Jersey (up 295 percent).

The decrease in foreclosures also in Lee and Collier Counties means it is becoming more difficult to find great buys.  However, there are still several very good deals to be had in Bonita Springs and Naples FL.  If you are considering buying a home in the area, let me be your guide.  Contact Matt Klinowski, a Real Estate expert in Bonita Springs and Naples Golf Communities, at 239-370-0892.

September 17, 2015 Posted by Matt