Hale Irwin Golf Design to coordinate design of The Coves at Round Mountain in N.C.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Representatives from The Archer Group have announced that Hale Irwin Golf Design will coordinate the design of their new course at The Coves at Round Mountain. The highly-anticipated golf course will be located 30 minutes south of Blowing Rock, N.C., in the town of Collettsville, in the exclusive new mountain residential development, The Coves at Round Mountain. The golf course name will be announced later in the spring with construction to begin in late 2008. In addition to designing the course, Hale Irwin will also be personally involved in developing Irwin Estates, the private neighborhood within The Coves at Round Mountain.

The Irwin name is synonymous with excellence in golf, both on the course and in design, and the team of Hale and his son, Steve, will utilize their golf skill and insight to ensure that The Coves at Round Mountain golf course is the best all-around golf experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains. His design preferences are clearly visible in his work as his courses are classic in nature and utilize the natural terrain to influence the golfer’s need of strategy and shot-planning. Since founding Hale Irwin Golf Design in 1986, Irwin has completed 18 projects, including three in North Carolina, with many more currently in progress across the United States and internationally. The leading golf publications have recognized Irwin’s work at several courses for their award-winning designs including GOLF Magazine’s 2005 “Top 10 You Can Play” honor to Mississippi Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minnesota; Golf Digest’s 2001 “America’s Best New Course” selection to Coyote Crossing in Lafayette, Indiana and Conde Nast Traveler’s 1999 “Top 50 Golf Resorts” award to The Golf Club at Cordillera-Mountain Course in Edwards, Colorado.

Rick Robbins will serve as the lead golf architect on the project and brings more than 34 years of experience in golf course design, land planning and project management to the team. Robbins has developed courses in the United States and the Far East. His work with Mill Creek Golf Club in North Carolina earned “Best New Course” honors in 1996 from the North Carolina Golf Panel, and was chosen as the “Sixth Best New Affordable Golf Course” in the United States by Golf Digest.

“Steve and I are very excited to work with The Archer Group and our good friend, Rick Robbins, on The Coves at Round Mountain,” said Hale Irwin. “Building a golf course in the North Carolina mountains challenges us to design a course that takes advantage of the natural elevation and topography, is visually attractive and fun to play for all skill levels. We look forward to getting The Coves project underway.”

“The Coves at Round Mountain is located in a beautiful setting,” said Robbins. “I’ve been working on this project for two years and have walked every square inch of the land. We have a great concept together and this course will be an enjoyable experience for the low-handicap golfer, the average golfer and families.”

“The Coves at Round Mountain is a very special mountain community and we are excited to partner with Hale Irwin Golf Design and Rick Robbins to create a one-of-a-kind Hale Irwin-designed course for our residents and guests.” said Tim Ritch, a managing partner of The Archer Group. “When completed, The Coves at Round Mountain will feature a championship golf course that will be enjoyed by everyone. Our plans also include the construction of an elevated clubhouse that will offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains for golfers to enjoy after their round is completed. When combined with our river amenities, equestrian center, planned lake, and the amazing views of Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain and the Blowing Rock, The Coves at Round Mountain will be the most attractive community in the North Carolina mountains.”

About Hale Irwin Golf Design

Hale Irwin, alongside son Steve, has been working side-by-side now for more than five years developing and creating new golf course properties across the United States. In late 2006, a dedicated focus to expand internationally also became a focal point for the designing duo. With more than 18 years of golf course design experience, Hale Irwin truly understands all facets of golf design and construction and knows what it takes to bring a course out of the ground the right way. His approach is no different than when he is on the golf course playing professionally. “To win with integrity. That’s been my intention in every tournament I’ve played since turning pro in 1968. Now it also guides our work in course design, community development and joint-ventures across the U.S. and beyond. We create winning partnerships – projects where investment, residential and recreational objectives are achieved.” – Hale Irwin.

Irwin’s professional golfing career includes three U.S. Open victories, two U.S. Senior Open victories and multiple Ryder Cup appearances. Irwin continues to hold the record for the most victories on the Champions Tour with 45. For more information, contact Tim Ummel at Gaylord Sports Management at (480) 483-9500 or visit HaleIrwin.com.

About The Coves at Round Mountain

Consisting of approximately 3,600 acres and located 30 minutes from Blowing Rock, N.C. The Coves at Round Mountain boasts a complex combination of natural and man-made amenities. Over five miles of river frontage and long range 50-mile mountain views are combined in the development plan with a Hale Irwin signature 18-hole golf course, an equestrian center, miles of hiking and walking trails, and plans for a 160-acre man-made lake. The project will be home to just 1,700 residences, with prices ranging from the $70,000’s to more than $500,000. For more information, call 1-888-726-8362 or visit thecovesnc.com.

About The Archer Group, LLC

Originally formed in 2003, The Archer Group board is managed by Greg Boree, Timothy Ritch and Nick Kavalieros. The Archer Group currently owns and maintains approximately 15,000 acres of land, selecting only the best for community development. These properties are exclusively located throughout the southeastern United States, and are highly focused in or around natural amenity locations such as coastal Florida and Georgia, as well as the North Carolina Mountains. For more information, call 1-866-429-4324 or visit thearchergrp.com.

For More Information, Contact:

Erin Barrett or Cheryl Harden