Tim Ludemann

Photo courtesy of American Express

I was getting some treats for my Open House this weekend and stopped into Costco located at Gulf Coast Town center. I love to buy 70 bags of potato chips.

I have an American Express card from Costco which allows for great savings over a year. For example I get 5% back for every gas purchase (finally down to the 2's for a gallon of gas). Gas is a premium since I'm ECO friendly and drive an SUV.

I also get 3% back on all purchases at Costco. 2% on all dining and 1% on all other purchases. At least we get a little savings!

What Costco does is at the end of the year, they cut you back a nice big fat check for all the savings you earned. They are very smart because typically people get there check at the store and end up using it there. I was in line last year and a gentleman got one for $3,300.00... Holy crap, that is a lot of toilet paper! Anyway, if you have the opportunity, great way to save during these tough economic times.

I wanted to make all the potential buyers of a community that is near completion of its second and final phase.

The name of the community is Rapallo. Located in the Art District which touchs Coconut Point Mall .

Rapallo Estero FLhas great amentities like Tennis, Fitness Center and Resort Style pool setting. As you enter through the grand gated entrance, the brick pavers greet you as you travel over the Mediterean style bridges.

You are also greeted by Art work spread out through out the community.

Rapallo is comprised of 450 homes with many floor plans to choose from. Homes are beginning in the low 200's and raise as the steals are picked up.

The community is buffered with many preserves as well as lakes. Residents love the walking distance to Coconut Point for Dinning and shopping options. Next door to Rapallo is the Enclave comprised of 90 Coach homes. If you act fast the developer still has Units available.

Please contact me should you have any interest in these communities.

Ever went for a walk and curious how far it was? What about running or biking the same route over and over?

I stumbled onto a great site called Map my run. I typed in Estero Florida a sure enough 37 maps of areas people run. I found it helpful to break up the boring same old run everyday. Also you might find a training partner out there while on the same path.

Thats right for the 21st year the Shark Shootout will happen. Its held at Tiburon, a Greg Norman designed course with 36 holes, Tiburon is also next door to the Ritz-Carlton Golf resort. The field is loaded for this charity event that raises awarness for Cure Search which is a National Childhood Cancer Foundation, Children's Oncology Group.

Leading the 24 player field are:

Calcavecchia, Mark	'89, '90, '93, '94, '95, '96, '97, '98, '02, '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Campbell, Chad	'03, '04, '06
Clark, Tim	None
Couples, Fred	'90, '91, '92, '94, '95, '98, '99, '02, '05, '06, '07, '08
DiMarco, Chris	'00, '07, '08
Fisher, Ross	None
Funk, Fred	'02, '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Gay, Brian	None
Hoch, Scott	'96, '97, '98, '99, '00, '01, '02, '03, '04, '06, '07, '08
Holmes, J.B.	'06, '08
Johnson, Dustin	None
Johnson, Zach	'07, '08
Kelly, Jerry	'02, '06, '07, '08
Kuchar, Matt	'02, '03
Leonard, Justin	'98, '04, '06, '07
McDowell, Graeme	'08
Perry, Kenny	'03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Poulter, Ian	'08
Price, Nick	'92, '93, '94, '05, '06, '07, '08
Sluman, Jeff	'99, '01, '02, '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Stricker, Steve	'08
Verplank, Scott	'06,'08
Weekley, Boo	'08

The purse is 3 Million and format is Teams will compete in a modified alternate shot format during the first round, a better ball Saturday and a final-round scramble. The winning team will share a tournament record $750,000.

Great time to get out and see the pros up close and personal.

If you enjoy the game called Golf, SWFL is your ideal destination. I want to highlight the courses in and around Estero FL. I will make note of the Private golf courses in the Estero FL area, as well as the Public Golf Courses in the Estero FL area.

Even if the Club says private you can still call and see if they will allow non-members on especially in the off season (June-October). Either way, make friends one night out for dinner and have them bring you along and experience the relaxing and tranquil golf setting SW Florida allows.

Private Golf Courses in the Estero FL area:

- Golf course at Wild Cat Run Estero FL

-Golf course at Grandezza Estero FL

-Golf course at Miromar Lakes Fort Myers FL

-Golf course at Pelican Sound Estero FL

-Golf course at West Bay Estero FL

-Golf course at Shadow Wood Preserve Fort Myers FL

-Golf course at Copper Leaf Bonita Springs FL

-Golf course at Shadow Wood at the Brooks Bonita Springs FL

-Golf course at Spring Run Bonita Springs FL

-Golf course at The Colony Bonita Springs FL

-Golf course at Raptor Bay Bonita Springs FL

-Golf course at Pelican Nest Bonita Springs FL

-Golf course at Old Corkscrew Estero FL

-Golf course at Bonita Bay Bonita Springs FL

-Golf course at Mediterra Naples -Bonita Springs FL

Public Golf Courses in the Estero FL area:

- Golf course at Stony Brook Estero FL

-Golf course at San Carlos Golf & Country Club Fort Myers FL

-Golf course at Bonita Fairways Bonita Springs FL