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| · November 4, 2003 · |
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· Marriott Golf Readies To Unveil Grande Pines Golf Club The Former International Golf Club will re-open in January 2004ORLANDO, Fla. (November 7, 2003) -- Marriott Golf, the nation's largest corporate resort golf operator, proudly announces that the total rebuilding of The International Golf Club will be completed by the end of the year and is on schedule to re-open January 3, 2004. Along with a complete course overhaul, the club will also be re-named The Grande Pines Golf Club. Renowned golf course architect Steve Smyers has designed one of the most dynamic courses in Central Florida. Smyers describes the highly structured par 72 course as "...peacefully co-existing with nature and offering the golfer options at every turn. This course will challenge the best in each player and that is what golf is all about." An upgraded clubhouse and newly constructed practice facilities will be adjacent to the 7,012 yard layout. The clubhouse is designed with the ease of the guests in mind, providing convenient access to the practice range and practice green, as well as to the first and tenth holes. It will also feature a bar and grill with indoor/outdoor seating for over 100 people, a golf shop and locker rooms for both men and women. Six-time major champion Nick Faldo is lending his name to the facility as "player consultant." "I have a worked with Steve (Smyers) in the past and think he is one of the best golf course designers around," Faldo commented. "His body of work is exceptional and Grande Pines will be a great addition to his portfolio." Golf instruction will be available taught by the instructional team from the Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott, one of Grande Pines sister properties. The course will also be equipped with carts featuring state of the art GPS technology. Each cart will be outfitted with the Prolink yardage system, which provides yardage to pin, the ability to place lunch orders prior to making the turn, and real time leader-board scoring for group outings. The luxurious course and clubhouse grand opening is anticipated for January 2004. Posted rates for the opening of the club are as follows: Jan.1 to Apr.15 $130, Apr. 16 to May 31 $95, Jun.1 to Sep.15 $60, and Sep. 16 to Dec. 31 $95. All rates include green and cart fee (practice balls provided for group outings). MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 68 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., has approximately 128,000 employees, and was ranked as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE(R). For more information or reservations, please visit the web site at www.marriott.com. Media Contact: Sarah Berger / Maggie Memoli / Melissa Michels The Sherry Group 973-984-3000 |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |