GOLFWEEK NAMES AMERICA’S BEST GOLF COURSES FOR 2005

Posted on March 15, 2005

Scottsdale, Ariz. -Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is thrilled to recognize its managed courses that have been named to Golfweek’s list of America’s Best for 2005. In addition to those that were included in the state-by-state listing, Quintero Golf & Country Club in Peoria, Arizona has again been named one of “America’s Top 100 Modern Courses (post 1960).” This Rees Jones classic came in at No. 64 on the list this year.

In state-by-state consideration, Golfweek recognized an additional 12 daily-fee and resort facilities in seven states. Both Branson Creek Golf Club and Old Works remain number one on the list for Missouri and Montana, respectively. Troon Golf-managed courses that have been recognized include:

Arizona
No. 2 Talking Stick Golf Club – North course, Scottsdale
No. 4 Troon North Golf Club – Monument course, Scottsdale
No. 5 Troon North Golf Club – Pinnacle course, Scottsdale
No. 6 The Lodge at Ventana Canyon – Mountain course,Tucson
No. 8 The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa – Ridge/Canyon, Tucson

Colorado
No. 9 The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Castle Rock

Florida
No. 9 The Westin Innisbrook Golf Resort – Copperhead course, Tampa Bay

Minnesota
No. 9 Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort – Legend course, Biwabik
No. 10 Giant’s Ridge Golf & Ski Resort – Quarry course, Biwabik

Missouri
No. 1 Branson Creek Golf Club, Branson

Montana
No. 1 Old Works, Anaconda

Texas
No. 8 The Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio

“We commend these outstanding courses for being named to this prestigious list,” stated John Easterbrook, executive vice president, operations for Troon Golf. “We are continually challenged to provide unparalleled golf experiences for all of our guests and are proud to see our facilities recognized by this leading industry publication.”

Among the criteria used to rate these courses:
Ease and intimacy of routing – The extent to which the sequence of holes follows natural contours and unfolds in an unforced manner
Variety and memorability of par 3s, 4s and 5s – Different clubs hit; extent to which the angles of play create interesting and varied playing options; and extent to which holes offer variety of options from the tee and on the second shot
Basic quality of conditioning – Variety of playing textures; extent of turf coverage; consistency and quality of bunker sand
“Walk in the park” test – Degree to which the course ultimately is worth spending a half-day on

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Troon Golf manages operations at more than 140 courses located in 26 states and 14 countries. Additionally, 31 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include The Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire, Scotland; Talking Stick Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Maderas Golf Club, San Diego, Calif.; Lake of Isles, North Stonington, Conn.; Vista Ridge Golf Club, Erie, Colo.; Kooindah Golf & Country Club, New South Wales, Australia; and Bearwood Lakes Golf Club, Berkshire, England.