Jim McLean Signature Course to Debut at Doral

Doral Golf Resort & Spa, recently introduced The Jim McLean Signature Course at Doral, formerly known as the Silver Course. The new layout is named after acclaimed golf instructor Jim McLean, a Top 100 Instructor who has operated the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral for the past 20 years, The Jim McLean Signature Course at Doral is McLean's first full golf course design project, and is highlighted by three of the toughest starting holes in golf.

Set to open in May 2009, The Jim McLean Signature Course at Doral offers a fair test of skill and shotmaking. The first three holes on the McLean Course are consecutive par-4's approaching nearly 500 yards each, truly defining a new golf course which will ensure a great challenge for players at all levels.

The new course includes design features that enhance aesthetics as well as course strategy. Tee complexes are placed to provide varying distances to challenge players of all levels. In addition, the course was grassed with certified Tifway 419 Bermuda grass to provide more consistent playing conditions, a new irrigation system was installed, new continuous cart paths were constructed, and bunkers were designed to complement the course's overall strategy.

McLean's most significant changes to the new par-70 layout, which offers a unique collection of par 3 holes, include widened fairways, enhanced water visuals and an increased course length from 6,557 yards to more than 7,100 yards. The signature 14th hole is a par 3 highlighted by an island green, and is part of McLean's Bermuda Triangle on the golf course's dramatic back nine. This spectacular hole will test a golfer's mettle as the tee boxes have been moved 80 yards to the right and lengthened by 30 yards from the professional tees, offering a challenging approach shot to the green.

Complementing the signature hole is the 13th hole, a par 4 that demands an impressive tee shot that sets up a 220-yard carry over a lake. Rounding out the Bermuda Triangle is the 15th hole, a par 4 which is one of the most scenic holes on the golf course and features a new professional tee added off the back of the island green 14th hole, which increases the overall distance by 50 yards. The green on the 15th hole was also enhanced with a new false front, providing golfers with an excellent look at the elevated green.

"This is truly a championship-caliber golf course, and you will not find three more challenging starting golf holes anywhere in Florida," said McLean. "Moving the course from a par-71 to a par-70 not only makes it quite challenging from the professional tees, but it provides a very competitive and fun amateur-friendly course from the closer tees."

In 2008 Doral earned the designation as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for their high level focus on environmental conservation. The new course complements the property's environmental strategies. As part of the new design, Doral was able to reduce 10 acres of maintainable turfgrass by replacing it with native grasses such as Cordgrass and Dune Sunflower. These plant species will provide wildlife habitat and require less resources to maintain. Aquatic plantings were also added to many lake features to enhance water quality and promote aquatic wildlife. The installation of a new state-of-the-art irrigation system will decrease water usage and enable firmer, faster playing conditions.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Jim McLean on this golf course re-design, and proud to name the course in his honor," said Darrin Helfrick, Golf General Manager at Doral Golf Resort & Spa. "As a part of the Doral family for nearly 20 years, Jim knows every inch of our courses and understands the needs of our guests. We are confident that this re-design will provide an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels, while offering some of Doral's most memorable golf holes."

Similar to the infamous Blue Monster Golf Course, the most recognizable of Doral's five courses and site of the World Golf Championships - CA Championship for the past two years, The Jim McLean Signature Course at Doral will utilize TifEagle greens, considered to be the fastest type of Bermuda grass available. The award-winning resort also features The Great White, Red and Gold Courses.

In addition to re-designing The Jim McLean Signature Course at Doral, in 2008 McLean signed a 10-year contract with Doral Golf Resort & Spa to retain the flagship location of the renowned Jim McLean Golf School at the resort, where it has been since 1990. Today, the Jim McLean Golf School is recognized as the number one golf school in America. For more information on The Jim McLean Signature Course at Doral, please visit www.doralresort.com.