MIAMI, FL. – Feb. 24, 2005 – With eight of the top ten players in the world already committed to the 144-player field at the 2005 Ford Championship at Doral, March 3-6, executives at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, have declared the famed Blue Monster to be in its best condition over the past decade. On the heels of CNL Hotels & Resorts, Inc.'s acquisition of Doral in April 2004, and now under the management of Marriott International, Inc., significant agronomic enhancements to the Blue Monster -- including an over-seeding program -- will result in a more consistent course, with a tighter layout and firm, fast greens.

In addition to the Blue Monster improvements, PGA Tour players participating in the 2005 Ford Championship at Doral, including such stars as Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia, will find a completely renovated practice range, featuring 60,000 square feet of usable tee space. Thanks to more than US$250,000 worth of renovations, the new practice area will offer target greens and bunkers that will enable players to hone their shot making in the best environment possible.

"Since CNL and Marriott joined forces to manage Doral, one of our main goals was to make the Blue Monster a course that would bring out the very best from the world's premier players," said Frank Garahan, General Manager, Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort. "We could not be more excited about our partnership with the Ford Championship at Doral, and with a stellar field now scheduled for the event we can't wait to show off this golf course."

"We are pleased to welcome the PGA Tour's best golfers to Doral to challenge this great test of golf," said Eddie Carbone, Executive Director, Ford Championship at Doral. "The Blue Monster is ready."

Source: Ford Championship