JACKSON, Miss. (sept. 19, 2004) – The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Division of Tourism announces that although it is finalizing the process of assessing the impact of Hurricane Ivan, based on extensive reports there appears to be minimal damage to the golf course properties on the state's Gulf Coast.

"We are grateful that Hurricane Ivan's damage in Mississippi was minimal," says Craig D. Ray, MDA Tourism Division director. "We are still assessing the impact, but there appears to be no significant structural damage to any of our courses. We anticipate that those that have not already opened will do so very soon. Mississippi's Gulf Coast is open and ready for business."

Mississippi's Gulf Coast boasts some of the finest courses in the Southeast, in fact, in the country, including Davis Love III designed Shell Landing in Gautier, Arnold Palmer designed The Bridges in Bay St. Louis, and Jack Nicklaus designed Grand Bear in Saltillo near Biloxi. These are among the courses that have opened already or will do so tomorrow morning.

In addition to the golf courses being fortunate in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, the many resort casinos with which they are affiliated were also spared and opened this morning at 7 a.m.

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 n the state capital, Jackson; and,

* History and architecture, including stunning Antebellum Era mansions turned award-winning B&B venues.

In addition to being annually acclaimed for its great golf courses and other tourism attractions, Mississippi has collected a slew of distinctions recently. For instance, Golf Digest, Golfweek and GOLF magazines have previously rated Magnolia Golf Trail courses as some of the best in the South. A collection of 14 premier, critically-acclaimed golf courses designed by many of the game's top architects and launched in 2002, the Magnolia Golf Trail is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the nation's finest and most value-laden golf trails. For more information about the trail, visit www.MagnoliaGolfTrail.com.

A free Golf Mississippi Travel Guide and more information is available by calling 1-866-801-8551 or visiting www.golfmississippi.org.