FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8/11/2008

Fallen Oak Plays Host to Inaugural 'Captain's Challenge'

MGM MIRAGE’s Highly Rated Tom Fazio-Designed Golf Course Makes
Its Television Debut on Golf Channel

BILOXI, Miss. – Up until now, Fallen Oak has only been visible to those fortunate enough to play a course rated among the best in the country that you can play. Now, the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino’s must-play course will be featured on Golf Channel’s inaugural “Faldo Azinger Captain’s Challenge.”

The Captain’s Challenge pits United States Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger against his European counterpart, Nick Faldo, in a three-part series of challenges that culminates Tuesday, Aug. 12 with an 18-hole match at Fallen Oak.

Hosted by PGA TOUR pro and amateur poker player Rocco Mediate, the Captain’s Challenge will begin Monday, Aug. 11 with fly-fishing in Pennsylvania before moving that night via Marquis Jet to Beau Rivage for a mini Texas Hold-‘Em tournament in Beau Rivage’s Coast nightclub.

At 9 a.m. (CT) the following day, Azinger and Faldo will play Fallen Oak in the final challenge. After the round, both Faldo and Azinger will be available for interviews.
Golf Channel will televise the event in a four-part telecast beginning Sept. 8. The golf portion of the telecast will mark the first time Fallen Oak has been televised to viewers since it opened in November 2006, but it adds another marquee event to one of the top courses in the country. In 2007, Fallen Oak played host to the Governor’s Cup, which introduced Fallen Oak to many of the Southeast’s business leaders, political leaders and philanthropists.

“Those that have played Fallen Oak consistently rank it among the best of the best,” said George P. Corchis, Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM MIRAGE’s Mississippi resorts, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi and the Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss. “Up until this point, only guests of Beau Rivage have had the opportunity to experience the course. What better way to showcase Fallen Oak to golfers nationwide than to host Nick Faldo and Paul Azinger in the first-ever Captain’s Challenge.”

At Fallen Oak, Azinger and Faldo will experience a course that in its short existence has become one of the top new courses in the country. Already, Fallen Oak has earned plaudits from Golf Digest (No. 2 Best New Upscale Course) Golfweek (No. 11 among “50 Best New Courses 2005-2007” and No. 2 Best Casino Course) and Golf Magazine (“2007 Best New Courses You Can Play”).

Along with that, came mentions in Golf Digest as an upcoming Casino Course To Watch (July 2007) and the prestige of owning one of the “50 Best 19th Holes” (March 2008).

Other prominent mentions came from the Robb Report (2007 “Best of the Best” Golf Resorts), Athlon Sports’ 2008 PGA TOUR Annual (which mentioned Fallen Oak’s 15th hole as one of the 18 holes to play this year) Golf for Women Magazine, LINKS, Men’s Journal, Travel + Leisure Golf, US Airways Magazine, Golf Vacations Magazine and GolfSouth Magazine.

The multi-million dollar course features dramatic elevation changes – which is rare for a Gulf Coast course – and more than 4,000 stately oaks, magnolias, pines and other hardwood trees. Fallen Oak is located on a 510-acre tract at the edge of the DeSoto National Forest, 15 miles north of Beau Rivage.

Azinger, Faldo and Golf Channel viewers will discover a course that tests every element of the game. Stretching to a hearty 7,487 yards from the back tees, Fallen Oak offers golfers five sets of tees and strategic play options as each hole winds through ever-changing terrain and environments.

The clubhouse and practice facilities alone put Fallen Oak among the top courses in the region. Built to resemble an Acadian-style Southern mansion, the 12,000-square foot clubhouse houses a 1,000-square foot pro shop and locker facilities. The 70-seat lounge and restaurant features top-level dining and a panoramic view of the 18th hole, as well as the majestic live oak that gives Fallen Oak its name. It was that experience that prompted Golf Digest to name the lounge one of the top 50 19th holes in golf.

Fallen Oak is available exclusively for guests of Beau Rivage. Greens fees for this elite MGM MIRAGE golf experience are $200-$300. To make reservations, call (877) 805-4657 or visit www.beaurivage.com.

The Captain’s Challenge is sponsored by Citi, Beau Rivage, Fallen Oak and Marquis Jets.

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For More Information:
Mary Cracchiolo-Spain, Beau Rivage
mcracchiolo@beaurivage.com
(228) 386-7134