GULF SHORES-ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Nov. 20, 2004 – The Gulf Shores Golf Association with 10 signature golf courses and 32 miles of sugar-white-sand beaches has announced that a steady increase in rounds played over the past four weeks is indicative that the area's renewal program is succeeding in the wake of Hurricane Ivan which made landfall here in mid-September.

Furthermore, the Orange Beach Planning Commission last week approved by unanimous vote to recommend to the City Council that two 36-story beachfront condo towers be rezoned and approved for construction. The planned towers will replace buildings that were some of the most damaged by Ivan.

"We have worked very hard since Hurricane Ivan to renew all of our golf courses and other attractions that have made Gulf Shores-Orange Beach one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States," says Mark Stillings, President of the Gulf Shores Golf Association and Director of Golf at Kiva Dunes, one of the 10 GSGA member courses. "These recent developments only reinforce what we already know - that we're well on our way to reaching new heights, literally and figuratively."

The golf courses as a whole suffered little-to-minor damage, mostly downed trees and debris. Many courses took the opportunity to complete fall golf course maintenance projects, especially over-seeding, in Ivan's aftermath. They are largely in wonderful condition, a fact supported by the spur in rounds played the past three weeks.

In addition to golf courses, many other businesses in this popular resort area have made significant strides since the storm in mid-September. "We're confident that our golf and beach visitors from around the country will find the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area better than ever as they return," says Mike McArthur, Executive Director of the Gulf Shores Golf Association. "We're very proud that we have become one of the most popular destinations in the United States and we're working hard to ensure resort visitors are provided with the same great course conditions, customer service and the other amenities to which they've become accustomed."

The area's lodging and accommodation inventory is renewing on a daily basis and increasingly accepting check-ins and future reservations. Of the area's more than 13,700 rentable units, 25 percent are open and taking new reservations. By the end of next month 57 percent of the total will be open, with 82 percent open expected by March 1.

When Gulf Shores-Orange Beach reaches peak season next June more than 91 percent of the pre-Ivan inventory is expected back online. Furthermore, and underscoring the rapid progress being made in the renewal program in Gulf Shores-Orange Beach, new unit inventory will increase by almost 4,000 units in the next three years to 17,144. More than 1,300 of those announced or future units will be located down Ft. Morgan Road near Kiva Dunes and Peninsula.

Currently, nearly 50 percent of the area restaurants are open and more than 70 percent of retail stores are open for shopping. Similar to the golf courses, the charter fishing fleet faired well with 97 percent of boats intact and ready to fish.

For more information about the Alabama Gulf Coast, please contact the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-745-SAND (7263) or www.gulfshores.com.

The Gulf Shores Golf Association is comprised of 10 exceptional signature golf courses that offer 198 holes of variety and beauty and which challenge serious golfers from the championship tees while delighting fun-loving resort golfers of all skill levels. Gulf Shores Golf Association-member courses have joined forces with numerous hotel and resort accommodations to offer very affordable, yet truly unforgettable "stay-and-play" experiences.

Gulf Shores Golf Association's lodging partners offer a broad selection of accommodations, from a world-class resort and beachfront condominiums, to on-site golf villas and affordable national-chain hotels. In addition to superb golf, the area has clean, safe beaches, thousands of acres of nature preserves, historic sites, deep-sea fishing, great shopping, and fine restaurants. Whether it's an annual trip with the guys, a romantic getaway weekend for two, or a week with the entire family, the Gulf Shores Golf Association offers easy golf vacation planning at www.golfgulfshores.com or by calling 1-888-815-1902.

Contact:
Mike McArthur
Gulf Shores Golf Association
Executive Director
251-968-5319
m2links@golfgulfshores.com