Cougar Canyon named to GOLF's Top 10 New Courses You Can Play
to extend Nicklaus Design's streak to a record 11 straight years

TRINIDAD, Colorado (December 21, 2007) The new Cougar Canyon Golf Links, created by Nicklaus Design, has received the coveted distinction of Top 10 New Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine as listed in the January 2008 issue. Members of this prestigious group are considered to be the best new public-access courses that opened in 2007. Approximately 60 new public courses were reviewed.

Nicklaus Design has placed at least one course in the list for 11 straight years, which is this is the longest active streak by any firm in the rankings' history. Since the first Top 10 You Can Play was released in 1990, Nicklaus Design has placed 18 courses, including 14 from 1997-2007.

GOLF Magazine compiles this list annually relying on the opinion of 95 independent course-ranking panelists, editors and field researchers. The Top 10 New Courses You Can Play category was derived from GOLF's Top 100 Courses in the United States list. Panelists play a variety of courses then submit reviews and comments to Joe Passov, Travel Editor and Chairman of GOLF Magazine's Rating Panel. "In a very competitive year for new public-access courses, Cougar Canyon was one of the standouts. Nicklaus Design has compiled a superb track record in this category in recent years, so it should come as no surprise that when you combine an excellent layout with a dramatic natural setting, you have a recipe for a winner," says Passov.

Created by Nicklaus Design, this par 72, 7789 yard links style course is a unique combination of mountain and desert terrain with split fairways, pedestal greens, and black sand bunkers. The Sangre de Cristo mountain range provides the backdrop, setting the stage for this scenic location. The temperate climate of southern Colorado allows for play during all four seasons.

Eric Seise, Jr., Cougar Canyon Golf Resort Community Managing Director, is thrilled with the designation. "This is precisely what we have been striving for," says Seise. "We designed Cougar Canyon to be one of the premier golf resorts in the country."

PGA Director of Golf Operations Matt Reams says, "The course slope ratings at Cougar Canyon of 120 to 139 demonstrate the great diversity found throughout our four tee locations thereby offering a comparable challenge for all skill levels." All abilities are tested on signature hole #16, a par 3 island green which will challenge even the most precise golfer.

Cougar Canyon Golf Links is open for public play and green fees are $59. The Pro Shop is located at 304 Shanahan Drive, Trinidad, CO. For information and tee times, call 719-422-7015. Visit online at www.cougarcanyonliving.com