FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9/8/2008

Fallen Oak Makes Its Television Debut Tonight in 'Faldo-Azinger Captain's Challenge'

MGM MIRAGE’s Highly Rated Tom Fazio-Designed Golf Course Plays Featured Role In Two-Episode, Golf Channel Special

BILOXI, Miss. – Fallen Oak, the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino’s must-play course, makes its television debut tonight on Golf Channel with the first airing of the Faldo-Azinger Captain’s Challenge presented by Citi.

The two-part special pitting United States Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger against his European counterpart and former television partner Nick Faldo in a series of three challenges: fly fishing, Texas Hold ‘em poker and an 18-hole, stroke-play match at Fallen Oak that was played Aug. 12. The golf match came a day after Azinger’s news conference after the PGA Championship in Detroit.

Because the golf was double-weighed in the cumulative scoring, Fallen Oak will be featured on both tonight’s episode and the second and final part next Monday. Tonight’s first episode will air at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT, with a replay at midnight ET/11 p.m. CT.

The Faldo-Azinger Captain’s Challenge puts the camera eye on Fallen Oak for the first time since the Tom Fazio-designed course opened in November, 2006. Up until now, the only way to see a course rated among the best in the country for public/resort courses was to play there as a Beau Rivage guest.

Now, Fallen Oak shares the spotlight with two golfers who own a combined seven major championships and a relationship fused by Ryder Cup competition for the better part of a generation mixed with countless hours spent in the broadcast booth when both were analysts for ABC.

And Fallen Oak more than holds its own as the third star of the show. Even though Azinger hit 16 greens, neither he nor Faldo broke par on a demanding course that deviates from the typical Gulf Coast course with its elevation changes.

"I love it here," Azinger said after finishing his round. "I could live here in a second."

Many of the country’s golf writers and architects share Azinger’s sentiments.

Golf Channel viewers will see 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” and “Top 100 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.

While it marks Fallen Oak’s television debut, the Faldo-Azinger Captain’s Challenge is Fallen Oak’s second marquee event, joining the 2007 Governor’s Cup, which introduced Fallen Oak to many of the Southeast’s business leaders, political leaders and philanthropists.

As they see the elevation changes and forest setting for the first time on TV, those Golf Channel viewers will see Faldo and Azinger deal with a course that tests every element of their games. 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

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