MARCO ISLAND, FL--(Marketwire - Dec 12, 2011) - Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is excited to announce an expansion of its golf amenities with the addition of the 18-hole Hammock Bay Golf Course. The off-site facility, located only 10 minutes from the resort in Southwest Florida, is available exclusively to members and resort guests. The elite course joins the resort's current golf offering, The Rookery at Marco, also an 18-hole course. The new addition is a direct result of increased demand for tee times from members, groups and leisure guests. Green fees range from $79 to $179 per round seasonally.
At 7,080 yards, the par-72 Hammock Bay golf course, designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy, is recognized as a "Gold Certified Signature Sanctuary" by Audubon International, one of just 25 designated communities in the world. The gold certification is the highest level of the Audubon Signature Programs, recognizing sustainable communities within the natural environment. The Rookery at Marco is also certified with Audubon International, as a Cooperative Sanctuary.
An ideal location for a Naples golf vacation, Hammock Bay offers a diverse layout with each hole different than its predecessor. The sea-level course offers dramatic elevation changes with man-made dunes up to 30 feet high and 200 feet long alongside varied but accessible greens. The coastal location between Naples and Marco Island was a major factor into the course's design, with each of the four par 3s playing in different directions to account for shifting gulf winds. The landscaping of the course mirrors the region with tropical wild flowers and crushed shells among mangrove hammocks.
"The addition of the Hammock Bay golf course enhances an already incredible and unique membership and resort private experience. Golfers will now enjoy our award-winning tropical resort amenties with a combined 36 holes of championship golf," said Rick Medwedeff, general manager of the Florida resort. "This expansion really accentuates our commitment to becoming a world class leader in golf experiences."
Moving forward, the intent is for The Rookery at Marco and the Hammock Bay golf courses to alternate between private (members only) and resort private (members and resort guests), every other day of the week. Along with the new golf course, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort will take on the management of the Hammock Bay Clubhouse which features a lagoon pool, three lighted Har Tru® tennis courts and a golf shop. These facilities will be open to the Southwest Florida resort's guests and members daily. A summer 2012 renovation is planned to enhance the food and beverage facilities.
Serving both Hammock Bay and The Rookery at Marco, the Rookery at Marco Golf Academy featuring Dennis Clark will provide instruction for golfers of all ages and experience levels. Recognized as one of the top teaching professionals in the United States, Dennis Clark is a PGA Master Professional, a distinction shared by less than one percent of all PGA pros. A native of the Philadelphia area and current Naples, FL resident, Clark has over 25 years experience as a golf instructor.
For further details, please visit www.golfatmarcoisland.com. For tee times at Hammock Bay, please call 239-389-6600. For resort information, please visit www.marcoislandmarriott.com or call 800-438-4373.
Nestled on three miles of pristine southwest Florida white sand beaches, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is the perfect island within an island escape. Caressed by tropical breezes and inspired by a Balinese sense of harmony, balance and hospitality, this is simply, paradise found. From the magnificent Quinn's Pool, surrounded by lush landscaping and outdoor dining and meeting spaces, to our elegant spa, resort private Rookery at Marco Island and Hammock Bay golf courses, and our luxurious rooms and lanai suites that overlook the dazzling Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is the sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, discovery and play. Our attentive concierge service, choice of shopping, dining and recreational activities make Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort the choice for unforgettable family vacations and memorable business meetings.
Marriott Golf manages 59 golf courses at 43 locations in 12 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 Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand, with more than 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries. Marriott continues to inspire performance and a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.meetthedriven.com. Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottHotels.
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Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Caroline Kerrigan
Quinn & Co.
212-868-1900 x253
