Crane's Landing Certified As New Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

(ORLANDO, Fla.) - Marriott Golf announced that Crane's Landing Golf Club, in Lincolnshire, Ill., is the latest property to achieve certification through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. This marks the 15th Marriott Golf managed property to achieve Audubon Certification, as part of the Company's green initiatives. 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 become Audubon Certified, Crane's Landing Golf Club created several naturalized areas, also known as "no mow" zones, which allow wildlife to grow around the area and cautions golfers and other guests at the resort to steer clear of walking or playing in these designated areas. In addition, informational posters have been placed throughout the property to educate guests and golfers on the importance of wildlife preservation at Crane's Landing Golf Club.

An 18-hole George Fazio design, the course at Crane's Landing Golf Club blends gracefully into the surrounding woods, and features bent grass tees, greens and fairways, as well as tightly bunkered greens and beautiful vistas of the Des Plaines River and surrounding woodlands. With scenic water on 14 holes, the course creates a challenging environment for golfers of all abilities.

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.

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