SAN DIEGO, CA. – Jan. 26, 2005 – Heritage Golf Group (www.heritagegolfgroup.com), has announced that it has acquired three properties totaling 99 holes of golf, Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, Shipyard Golf Club and Oyster Reef Golf Club, on Hilton Head Island, named one of the "Top 75 U.S. Golf Resorts" by Golf Digest Magazine.

The acquisition is one of the largest golf-only transactions in the industry over the last year. This acquisition, along with five others, have more than doubled the size of Heritage Golf Group this past year, increasing it to a total of 17 private, daily fee, semi-private, and resort facilities with close to 20 18-hole golf courses.

“This is the largest acquisition in the history of our company. However, what’s most exciting is that we now own three properties on one of the most recognized golf destinations in the world,” said Bob Husband, President and CEO of Heritage Golf Group. “The courses enjoy a strong golf reputation as they all offer challenging, rewarding and spectacular layouts. However, we believe our ‘Standards and Traditions’ will elevate the service and overall experience. As we do at all of our facilities, we will deliver a world-class golf experience at these properties.”

Since the inception of Heritage Golf Group in 1999 and with the $100 million in funding provided by private equity firm GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC, the company has fast become a leading owner and operator of golf facilities in the U.S. In a short period of time, Heritage has created a portfolio comprised of some of the most well-known and acclaimed properties in the nation.

Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club is located on the northwestern point of Hilton Head Island on the Port Royal Plantation along with the luxurious oceanfront Westin Resort. In addition to being praised for its unrivaled golf, it is also well known as a world-class tennis destination. In 1997, Port Royal was recognized as a "Silver Medal Resort" by Golf Magazine for its three spectacular 18-hole golf courses: The Barony, Planter's Row, and Robber's Row. The course designers are George W. Cobb, Willard C. Byrd and Pete Dye.

The Oyster Reef Golf Club opened in 1982 and was immediately recognized as one of the top 25 new courses in America. This Rees Jones design has been voted one of the top 20 courses in the Carolinas and enjoys a reputation as a favorite among Hilton Head Island golfers. Carved out of 190 acres of breathtaking low country terrain, Oyster Reef Golf Club's spectacular 18-hole championship course is surrounded by winding lagoons, lush vegetation, and scenic views of the Island and the Atlantic Ocean.

Nestled within Hilton Head's natural setting of majestic Carolina pine trees, flowering magnolias and moss draped oaks, Shipyard Golf Club's 27-holes offer some of the most spectacular golf views imaginable. The course designers, George W. Cobb and Willard C. Byrd, inter-connected two of the three courses for a unique and challenging 18-hole round. The original Clipper and Galleon courses create an exciting combination of long fairways and perilous hazards, while the Brigantine course winds its way around lagoons and breathtaking terrain. The former home of the Hilton Head Seniors International from 1982 to 1984, Shipyard Golf Club was rated as one of the finest layouts on the Champions TOUR. It is located at the south end of the Island on the Shipyard Plantation and adjacent to The Crowne Plaza Resort.

Heritage Golf Group was formed in November 1999 and is one of the premier owner/operator of golf properties in the nation. The company’s growing portfolio consists of 17 private, daily fee, semi-private, and resort facilities with close to 20 18-hole golf courses throughout the U.S. The company distinguishes itself by its dedication to unrivaled golf and uncompromising service. The company is led by Bob Husband, President and CEO.

Heritage Golf Group’s portfolio includes:

• The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, Longwood, FL

• Atlanta National Golf Club, Alpharetta, GA

• The Golf Club at Castle Hills, Lewisville, TX

• Hamilton Mill Golf Club, Dacula, GA

• Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club, Katy, TX

• Oyster Reef Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, SC

• Polo Golf & Country Club, Cumming, GA

• Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, Hilton Head Island, SC

• Shipyard Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, SC

• Talega Golf Club, San Clemente, CA

• Trophy Lake Golf & Casting Club, Port Orchard, WA

• The Golf Club at Twin Creeks, Allen, TX

• Valencia Country Club, Valencia, CA

• Washington National Golf Club, Auburn, WA

• Weston Hills Country Club, Weston, FL

• White Columns Country Club, Alpharetta, GA

Media Contact:
Rick Schloss
(619) 682-3407

Yolanda Barraza
(858) 617-6119