JACKSON, Mississippi – Feb. 10, 2005 – The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Division of Tourism has announced that Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, a 1,740-room MGM Mirage destination resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, plans to build a new 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course. Named Fallen Oak, the course sit on a 510-acre tract 20 minutes north of the resort on Highway 15. A par-72 layout stretching 7,516 yards from the back tees, Fallen Oak will open for play in early 2006.
Designed by one of America's greatest golf architects, Tom Fazio, who created Shadow Creek for Beau Rivage's sister properties in Las Vegas, Fallen Oak is MGM MIRAGE's answer to an ultra-exclusive golf experience unrivaled by anything currently in the region. A public course to which guests of Beau Rivage Resort & Casino enjoy priority access, Fallen Oak offers spectacular play through one of the most splendid architectural landscapes in the country.
Fallen Oak runs adjacent to the stately DeSoto National Forest and is characterized by lush rolling landscape covered in oak and pine ridges, magnolia and pecan groves, yaupons, large lakes, winding streams and majestic marshes. The inherent beauty of the existing terrain provides an outstanding natural canvas from which to develop golf's latest masterpiece.
"When we were originally asked about the possibility of a golf course for Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, we spent a tremendous amount of time researching sites in the area," said Fazio. "We looked at more than a dozen sites before eventually settling on the present location. The site for Fallen Oak offers some dramatic elevation changes that we rarely encounter on sites so close to the coast, and tremendous vegetation that we knew could be incorporated into the routing of the golf course.
"The trees on this site are spectacular, and Beau Rivage has given us a landscaping budget for the golf course that will allow us to transplant large, mature trees to key locations on golf holes," Fazio continued. "In areas where the routing of the golf course requires the clearing of existing specimen trees, we'll be able to simply move them to a location that works, or even move them to the side of the hole temporarily and move them back after the hole is built. This is the ultimate in design flexibility, and when completed, Fallen Oak will feel very naturally integrated into the site."
Beau Rivage is spending in excess of $30 million to create one of the country's most exclusive golf facilities for people attracted to the best features and amenities of the game.
"Golfers are going to find Fallen Oak aesthetically beautiful and equally challenging," said Beau Rivage President Jeff Dahl. "This course will be a perfect complement to our AAA Four Diamond resort, recently recognized among the best in the world by both Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler."
In addition to Fazio's legendary elevation changes and high profile design treatments, Fallen Oak will have numerous water features and concealed cart paths. An expansive clubhouse reminiscent of an Acadian-style Southern mansion houses a pro shop, locker facilities, lounge, and restaurant. The back veranda provides panoramic views of the 9th and 18th greens and the distinguished signature Fallen Oak.
"When Beau Rivage Resort & Casino contacted us about moving forward with the golf course project, we were understandably excited, knowing the potential for the chosen site to produce a truly world-class golf experience," said Fazio. "Couple that with a commitment to the highest quality by Beau Rivage, and this project promises to be viewed as one of the best new courses in America."
Reservations for Fallen Oak can be made by calling (877) 805-4657. Casual elegance awaits at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Mirage's destination resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
French for "beautiful shore," Beau Rivage blends the charm and character of the Mediterranean with graceful touches of Southern hospitality. From the
31 majestic oak trees that line the front entry drive to the 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, the resort offers AAA Four Diamond accommodations unparalleled anywhere in the Southeast. Twelve restaurants, a world-class spa and salon, an upscale shopping promenade, Mississippi's first and finest microbrewery, a state-of-the-art convention center, a 31-slip marina and a 1,550-seat showroom featuring headline entertainment and a wide array of production shows make a visit to Beau Rivage one of the finest destination resort experiences in the South. For more information, visit www.beaurivage.com, or for reservations, call (888) 567-6667.
"We are delighted Beau Rivage is bringing yet another world-class golf club to Mississippi. This helps forward our status as one of the highest-quality golf-and-gaming entertainment destinations in North America" says Leland Speed, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority.
In addition to hosting the PGA Tour's Southern Farm Bureau Classic annually, Mississppi is increasingly garnering acclaim for its award-winning golf properties. For instance, Golf Digest, Golfweek and GOLF magazines have previously rated Mississippi courses as some of the best in the South.
About Mississippi Golf
Attractions contributing to Mississippi's growing popularity as the preferred golf-and-travel destination include:
. Great year-round weather and direct flights from major carriers,
. More than 140 courses that offer all price points and design varieties in five distinct regions,
. New and existing courses designed by top golf course architects that garner national recognition,
. More affordable courses than most other comparable U.S. golf destinations,
. World-famous gourmet cuisine, blues music, and luxurious casino resorts offering star-studded shows,
. Family-themed attractions offering everything from parks and beaches,
. Widespread acclaim from the annual PGA Tour golf tournament held in the state capital, Jackson; and,
. History and architecture, including stunning Antebellum Era mansions turned award-winning B&B venues.
A free Golf Mississippi Travel Guide and more information is available by calling 1-866-801-8551 or visiting www.golfmississippi.org.
