Jack Nicklaus christens his new course at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain near Tucson, AZ, site of Accenture Match Play

MARANA, Ariz. - March 28, 2009 - Jack Nicklaus today formally dedicated the Tucson area's first Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in 25 years, celebrating the centerpiece of the high Sonoran Desert's new luxury resort golf community.

"We are excited and honored to have Jack Nicklaus with us," said David Mehl of Cottonwood Properties, which owns The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain. "Our goal is to provide our members and guests with the best desert golf experience in the world. That is why we selected the best golf course designer in the world to create that golf experience. The legendary Nicklaus focus and determination to create excellence is once again evident in this project."

The original 27 holes, along with a majestic clubhouse and tour-quality practice area of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain were initially unveiled in January. Only six weeks after opening, it debuted on the international stage as host of the 2009 World Golf Championships--Accenture World Match Play Championship, where Tiger Woods made his much-anticipated return to competition.

"When most golf courses might try to have a weekend scramble, we hosted the 64 top-ranked players in the world," said Michael McMahon, general manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. "Our golf staff did a fantastic job to have the course ready. It was nice to hear the players say how much they appreciated the superb conditioning. The tournament was a huge success and now we are looking forward to hosting the matches for many years to come."

At The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, Nicklaus has integrated solid strategy, variety and fair shot values that harmonize with the high desert elevation of 2,300 to 3,000 feet. Large greens with significant undulation, wide fairways and carries over desert washes define each course. The bunkering varies from classic, pot-style obstacles to expansive areas that stretch close to 80 yards along the edges of the fairways. The golf courses feature Bentgrass greens, while the tees, fairways and rough are Bermuda (with perennial rye overseed), ideal for the desert climate. An additional nine holes are planned.

"I think it turned out to be a terrific golf course," said Nicklaus, who, along with his son Jack II, led a group of about 150 invited guests on a playing tour of the Tortolita Course. "This is a combination of tournament, resort and residential golf. People are going to be able to come here and have a nice golf course, an enjoyable playing experience. I'm very pleased with it."

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain also features a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse with all of the services expected from a luxury private club including tennis courts, fitness center, steward-serviced private locker rooms, and a double-ended practice facility. The clubhouse includes indoor and outdoor dining venues with spectacular views, including Cayton's, a casual but refined restaurant named for legendary Dove Mountain homesteader and cowboy poet Eugene "Cush" Cayton, serving American comfort cuisine with a Southwestern flair.

When the resort hotel and spa open this fall, the property will be an indulgent retreat that features a 17,000-square-foot spa, the finest cuisine prepared by world-class chefs, and The Ritz-Carlton's unparalleled sophistication and personalized service throughout its 850 acres. Included are a 250-room hotel and adjacent cluster of secluded, multi-bedroom casitas-ideally suited for golfing families and friends.

"We are looking forward to welcoming guests this October," McMahon said. "Much of the heavy work has been done, as we stay on track toward completion. It's an exciting time, as we get closer to having every piece in place for our grand opening."

The resort's invigorating playground reaches out through a majestic Saguaro forest, where the adventurous can engage the lush desert along the Tortolita Mountains. Activities range from a casual nature walk to mounting up for an authentic, Old West cattle drive, as guests at Dove Mountain will have 20 miles of hiking trails (clearly mapped by National Geographic), along with marked mountain biking routes and guided jeep tours. Three swimming pools and a 235-foot water slide will gently flow throughout the water complex.

While the golf courses eventually will be accessible only by resident members and resort guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, open play is available for a limited time in 2009. The fee is $225 per player through May, which includes golf, cart, access to the practice facilities and required forecaddie from the distinctive Ritz-Carlton Caddie Concierge program.

Reservations are accepted 30 days in advance through the golf shop, (520) 572-3500. Also visit www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain.