Shadow Ridge Is Most Recent Property To Become Certified; Marriott Golf Now Operates More Audubon Certified Golf Clubs Than Any Other Golf Management Organization
ORLANDO, Fla. – November 20, 2008…Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, today announced that Shadow Ridge Golf Club, in Palm Desert, Calif., is the most recent property to achieve certification through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. With Shadow Ridge serving as the 18th property to achieve this recognition, Marriott Golf now has more Audubon Certified golf clubs than any other golf management organization in the world. By the end of 2008, 25 managed golf properties in North America and the Caribbean will become Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.
Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, which enable golf facilities to protect the environment by enhancing precious natural areas and wildlife habitats, are part of a systemwide commitment by Marriott International, Inc. (MAR:NYSE) to promote environmental stewardship. In order to achieve Audubon Certification, a golf facility is required to demonstrate that it is maintaining the highest degree of environmental quality in several areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.
As part of the property’s efforts to achieve Audubon Certification, Shadow Ridge Golf Club focused its efforts on water conservation. By incorporating a variety of plant varieties that are native to the area, such as Bougainvillea, Tecoma Stan, Crown of Thorn Salvia Gray, Pensremon, and Carrisa Green Carpet, the property is able to maintain lush, beautiful gardens while also conserving water. These plant species require little watering, while also attracting desired species such as hummingbirds and butterflies. Further, 40 acres of native grasses, which require minimal watering, have been strategically placed throughout the golf course.
Additionally, to help maintain the population of the Southern Yellow Bat, a species of special concern in the area, Shadow Ridge Golf Club implemented bat boxes throughout the property. These bats, which are native to the area, are important for their insatiable appetite for bugs and insects. Owl boxes were also built and integrated throughout the resort.
“We are thrilled to announce that Shadow Ridge is our 18th property to achieve this prestigious certification,” said Robert Waller, Senior Director of Grounds, Marriott Golf. “It is extremely rewarding to be recognized as the golf management organization with the most Audubon Certified properties in the world.”
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.
About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 61 golf courses at 45 locations in 13 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf. Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators. Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,000 lodging properties in the United States and 66 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 Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2007 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE®, and has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2007 Sustained Excellence Award and Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2007, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
Contact:
Michele Kruchkowski (mkruchkowski@mastrocomm.com) Stefanie Schiavello (stefanie@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications, Inc. @ 732-469-5700
