Marriott Golf Introduces “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” Military Golf Program To Honor Nation’s Armed Forces

Designed To Support The Men And Women Who Protect America’s Freedom, New Program Provides Free & Discount Golf To Members Of The Military At Leading Resort Golf Destinations Throughout North America.

Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators and the golf management organization of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR), today introduced “Fairways-Fore- FREEdom,” a new military program designed to support the men and women dedicated to protecting America’s freedom.  In celebrating America’s armed forces, “Fairways-Fore- FREEdom” provides active, reserve and retired military personnel with both free and discount golf at over 25 acclaimed Marriott Golf courses throughout the United States.

“As military personnel continue to return home from serving our country overseas, and as we know that many members of the armed forces love to play golf, ‘Fairways-Fore-FREEdom’ is designed to say thank you and offer them special opportunities to enjoy this great game,” said Jim Keane, Senior Director of Operations, Marriott Golf.  “With hundreds of thousands of active, reserve and retired military personnel who play golf, we can’t think of a better way to reward their unmatched dedication then to provide terrific values, along with free golf, at our collection of championship courses.”

The “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” program commences on Friday, May 25, 2012, in honor of Memorial Day weekend, and runs through Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 12, 2012.  As part of the program, members of the armed forces that present a valid military ID card can take advantage of discounted “twilight” green fees/carts, ranging from just $29 - $69, while receiving a free replay certificate for another day.  The free replay certificates will be valid until December 31, 2012.  The program is available after 3 p.m. any day of the week at participating Marriott Golf courses, and all tee times can be made up to three days in advance.  In some cases, select Marriott Golf properties will even extend the hours that the special offer is available, further enhancing the value of the program and enabling eligible military personnel to experience the Company’s prestigious collection of championship golf courses.

Participating courses in the “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” military golf program represent some of the country’s premier championship venues, including: Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Desert Springs Golf Resort, Palm Desert, Calif.; Grande Pines Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Grande Vista Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; MetroWest Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Falcon’s Fire Golf Club, Kissimmee, Fla.; Renaissance Vinoy Resort, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Shadow Ridge Golf Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; Starr Pass Golf Club, Tucson, Ariz.; The Rookery at Marco, Naples, Fla.; Wildfire Golf Club, Phoenix, Ariz.; Cattails Golf Club, Kingsport, Tenn.; Toftrees Golf Club, State College, Pa.; Griffin Gate Golf Club, Lexington, Ky.; Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, Lihue, Hawaii; Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Crane’s Landing Golf Club, Lincolnshire, Ill.; Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, Va.; and Willow Crest Golf Club, Oak Brook, Ill.  In total, 25 golf courses located at 20 Marriott Golf properties will participate in the program, which will provide military personnel with arguably the greatest golf values in the country today.

Members of the armed forces participating in “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” can also take advantage of Marriott Golf Links, the Company’s golfer loyalty program that enables Marriott Rewards members to both earn and redeem points for golf.  Members can earn Marriott Rewards points for rounds of golf and golf retail merchandise purchases.  In addition, members can redeem points for rounds of golf, hotel accommodations, spa experiences, golf instruction, and more. 

The “Fairways-Fore-FREEdom” military golf program, which cannot be combined with any other offer, is based on availability at participating Marriott Golf-managed courses, and certain restrictions may apply.  This offer is valid for active, reserve, and retired personnel from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and Coast Guard.  For more information on the program, visit www.marriottgolf.com. 

About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 61 golf courses at 44 locations in 12 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf.  Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators.  Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises.  For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.  Click here for Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) company information.

james.keane@marriott.com, michele@mastrocomm.com and tara@mastrocomm.com

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Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort Expands Golf Amenities & Acquires 18-Hole Hammock Bay Golf Course

One of Only 25 Global Gold-Certified Audubon Sanctuaries, Open Exclusively To Members & Resort Guests; Clubhouse Includes Pool, Tennis & Golf Shop. Dennis Clark to Instruct at Both The Rookery at Marco & Hammock Bay Courses.

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is excited to announce an expansion of its golf amenities with the addition of the 18-hole Hammock Bay Golf Course. The off-site facility, located only 10 minutes from the resort, is available exclusively to members and resort guests. The elite course joins the resort’s current golf offering, The Rookery at Marco, also an 18-hole course. The new addition is a direct result of increased demand for tee times from members, groups and leisure guests. Green fees range from $79 to $179 per round seasonally.

At 7,080 yards, the par-72 Hammock Bay golf course, designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy, is recognized as a “Gold Certified Signature Sanctuary” by Audubon International, one of just 25 designated communities in the world. The gold certification is the highest level of the Audubon Signature Programs, recognizing sustainable communities within the natural environment. The Rookery at Marco is also certified with Audubon International, as a Cooperative Sanctuary.

Hammock Bay offers a diverse layout with each hole different than its predecessor. The sea-level course offers dramatic elevation changes with man-made dunes up to 30 feet high and 200 feet long alongside varied but accessible greens. The coastal location between Naples and Marco Island was a major factor into the course’s design, with each of the four par 3s playing in different directions to account for shifting gulf winds. The landscaping of the course mirrors the region with tropical wild flowers and crushed shells among mangrove hammocks.

“The addition of the Hammock Bay golf course enhances an already incredible and unique membership and resort private experience. Golfers will now enjoy our award-winning tropical resort amenties with a combined 36 holes of championship golf,” said Rick Medwedeff, general manager of Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort. “This expansion really accentuates our commitment to becoming a world class leader in golf experiences.“

Moving forward, the intent is for The Rookery at Marco and the Hammock Bay golf courses to alternate between private (members only) and resort private (members and resort guests), every other day of the week. Along with the new golf course, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort will take on the management of the Hammock Bay Clubhouse which features a lagoon pool, three lighted Har Tru® tennis courts and a golf shop. These facilities will be open to resort guests and members daily. A summer 2012 renovation is planned to enhance the food and beverage facilities.

Serving both Hammock Bay and The Rookery at Marco, the Rookery at Marco Golf Academy featuring Dennis Clark will provide instruction for golfers of all ages and experience levels. Recognized as one of the top teaching professionals in the United States, Dennis Clark is a PGA Master Professional, a distinction shared by less than one percent of all PGA pros. A native of the Philadelphia area and current Naples, FL resident, Clark has over 25 years experience as a golf instructor.

For further details, please visit www.golfatmarcoisland.com. For tee times at Hammock Bay, please call 239-389-6600. For resort information, please visit www.marcoislandmarriott.com or call 800-438-4373. 

Nestled on three miles of pristine southwest Florida white sand beaches, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is the perfect island within an island escape. Caressed by tropical breezes and inspired by a Balinese sense of harmony, balance and hospitality, this is simply, paradise found.  From the magnificent Quinn’s Pool, surrounded by lush landscaping and outdoor dining and meeting spaces, to our elegant spa, resort private Rookery at Marco Island and Hammock Bay golf courses, and our luxurious rooms and lanai suites that overlook the dazzling Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is the sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, discovery and play. Our attentive concierge service, choice of shopping, dining and recreational activities make Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort the choice for unforgettable family vacations and memorable business meetings.

Marriott Golf manages 59 golf courses at 43 locations in 12 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf.  Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators.  Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises.  For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand, with more than 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries.  Marriott continues to inspire performance and a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.meetthedriven.com.  Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottHotels.
 
Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Media Contact: Caroline Kerrigan, Quinn & Co., 212-868-1900 x253; ckerrigan@quinnandco.com

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New Golf Vacation Package at Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach Includes Play at Newly Reopened Kiele Ocean Holes at Kauai Lagoons Golf Club

New vacation package offers Jack Nicklaus championship golf with stays at adjacent Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach

The scene for golf in Kauai is about to experience a grand transformation. The distinctive Kauai Lagoons is set to raise the bar as the ultimate golf destination with the long anticipated re-opening of its Kiele ocean holes, now called the Kiele Moana Nine (former Kiele back 9). Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the Kiele Moana Nine will feature dramatic ocean views with Hawaii’s longest continuous stretch of ocean holes stretching more than half a mile.

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Marriott International’s Annual Report “Opens Doors” to Stunning Hotels Worldwide

Video Message for 2010 Report Showcases Company’s Global Reach

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) features some of the most eye-catching hotels in the world in its just-issued interactive 2010 Annual Report online at www.marriott.com/investor. 

The report includes an executive discussion of the company’s business, a comprehensive overview of Marriott’s 18 brands, and easy-to-navigate financial and performance information.  Another highlight—exclusive to the online version— is a 5-minute engaging video with Chairman and CEO Bill Marriott and President and COO Arne Sorenson, who along with Marriott’s global team of associates, virtually “open doors” to some of the company’s global portfolio of hotels.    

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Marriott Golf to Host PGA Tour & LPGA Events in 2011

Marriott Golf-Managed Courses at Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain; Doral Golf
Resort & Spa; and Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
to Challenge Game’s Best on the PGA & LPGA Tours

Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, is proud to announce that they will be hosting three professional tour events in 2011, including two PGA TOUR World Golf Championship showcase events, along with a prestigious LPGA tournament. The two PGA TOUR events, which will be televised on NBC and The Golf Channel respectively, and the LPGA event, which be televised on The Golf Channel, mark the first time Marriott Golf has hosted three professional championships in a calendar year.

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Marriott and USGA Team Up to Benefit Members

New Relationship Kicks off with Special USGA Member Offer: Free Round at Participating Golf Resorts

Marriott International announced today a new agreement with the United States Golf Association (USGA) to provide exclusive product and service offerings to each organization’s affinity program members. Marriott hotels’ guests and USGA Members Program participants will be able to enjoy special promotions, customized benefits and relationship activities, including an exclusive free round of golf offer available now.

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Marriott International Ranks Seventh on the Sunday Times 'Best Green Companies' List

U.K. Hotels Certified by Carbon Trust Standard, Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary and Green Tourism

The environmental achievements of Marriott-branded hotels in the United Kingdom, including three prestigious green certifications – Carbon Trust Standard, Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary and Green Tourism – have led The Sunday Times to rank Marriott International, Inc. seventh out of 60 on their “Best Green Companies” list and "Best for Employee Environmental Engagement" on their specialty list.

Marriott-branded hotels in the United Kingdom have successfully reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases collectively by 7.3 percent to earn Carbon Trust Standard certification, a government program launched in 2008 in response to the U.K.’s Climate Change Act to benchmark and assess company commitment and success in addressing climate change impact. In addition, 25 hotels will achieve Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) certification, a program validated by Visit Britain and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) which assesses energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity, by year-end.

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Tee Off Where the Pros Do & Save Nearly 50%: Stay & Play at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, from $109/Night

TPC Blue Monster at Doral, New Jim McLean Signature Course & Three Others Give Golfers a Quintet of Choices

Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, is inviting golfers of all skill levels to take a swing on the famous fairways.  From the TPC Blue Monster at Doral where Ernie Els cinched victory last month, to the new Jim McLean Signature Course (unveiled in November), or Doral’s three other championship courses, travelers have options aplenty to appease their appetite for the greens:

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Stars Visit St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino for 5th Annual Legends Golf Classic

A host of current and former professional athletes, as well as Hollywood actors, descended upon the small Caribbean island of St. Kitts for the 5th Annual Legends Golf Classic. These celebrity golfers spent a long weekend hitting the links for a charity golf tournament at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, part of our beautiful St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino.

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The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Annika Sorenstam Announce New Partnership

Unveiled today, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, an equity-based, luxury destination club, and Hall of Fame golfer, Annika Sorenstam, have entered a new partnership where Annika will serve as an ambassador of the brand. For the benefit of Club Members, this partnership presents the opportunity for elite experiences that mirror Annika’s passions and growing lifestyle brand.

As part of the exclusive partnership, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club will create an “ANNIKA sense of place” at Club locations with branded products including everything from signature clothing and fragrances, to wines and autographed photography. Culinary events, wine tastings and golf outings with Annika will provide memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Members of all ages. The ANNIKA Academy will also take the team on the road to select Club locations to inspire players of varying skill levels to reach their potential by transferring more energy and power from the gym to the golf course. 

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