Benchmark Completes Renovation of Classic Golf Course

Chicago-area Eaglewood Resort & Spa

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. October 14, 2008

HOUSTON, TX, June 8, 2006. Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the completion of more than $1 million in course upgrades to the Eaglewood Golf Course, a classic 1928 Charles Maddox-design golf course located 35 miles west of Chicago at the Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, Illinois. Greg Parsons, Benchmark's general manager at Eaglewood Resort, made the announcement.

"We are extremely excited about the changes that have taken place at this historic golf course," said Mr. Parsons. "While new courses are springing up everywhere, it is not often that you are able to improve on one with such a pedigree. The course's mature landscaping, classic design by Chicago native Charles Maddox and superb playing conditions set amidst the backdrop of a fabulous resort & spa make a uniquely special golf experience." Parsons continued on to say, "For those who haven't played this course before, here's a chance to experience a classic Maddox course in prime condition. For those who haven't played this course in years, this is the season to re-discover Eaglewood!"

Upon completion of renovations, 75 bunkers will have been redesigned or installed throughout the golf course to modernize the play without altering the unique character of the course. Additionally, the resort is installing a new dual-row irrigation system in order to sprinkle the course more efficiently, improve turf conditions, offset potential drought damage and enhance the golfers' overall experience.

Also, just off the 18th green, golfers will be able to unwind on a new 60-seat patio, accented with a large new fire pit - the classic gathering point symbol. The new patio is appropriately named The Fairway Fireplace and golfers will be able to enjoy full food and beverage menu service from the adjacent Prairie River Restaurant.

"We're bringing this course up to today's play standards by making bunkers an integral part of the green complex," said Director of Golf Andy Carr. "Select bunkers will be reshaped, so shot-making skills will be critical and overall play will be challenging but highly enjoyable."

Originally built in 1928, golfers who play the Eaglewood Golf Course (formerly known as the Nordic Hills course) will discover improved quality of play through more water features, more definition and added length. Lined with stately 100-year-old oak trees and winding along three lakes and Salt Creek, water now comes into play on eight of the 18 holes. Severely sloping greens have earned the course the nickname of "The Little Green Menace." At 6,017 yards and a signature peninsula green 6th hole, the tight course provides a competitive round of classic golf.

With green fees starting as low as $40, classic play at the renovated Eaglewood Golf Course is a tremendous value. Annual unlimited golf memberships are available as well, including discounts off greens and cart fees, pro shop merchandise, restaurants and all recreational amenities, and a locker for the season. For more information on Eaglewood Golf Course or Eaglewood Resort & Spa, visit www.eaglewoodresort.com or call 630-773-1400, toll free at 877-285-6150.

About Eaglewood Resort Golf Course

Designed by Illinois native Charles Maddox, Eaglewood Golf Course originally opened in 1932. Maddox partnered with Scotland native Frank MacDonald to design and construct many of the notable courses in the Chicago area during the 1920s and 1930s era, many of which were owned by Mr. Maddox prior to the Great Depression. Eaglewood Golf Course underwent minor revisions over the years, resulting in the alteration of original "old style" course features designed by Mr. Maddox. The golf course architectural firm, Schmidt Curley Design, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, www.schmidt-curley.com, was retained by Benchmark Hospitality International to renovate the course. The Schmidt Curley Design team, including architect Lee Schmidt who led the Eaglewood renovation program, are noted experts in balancing classic golf course architecture with contemporary technology.

Schmidt Curley Design has incorporated additional bunkering in locations throughout the course and reshaped existing bunkers to integrate improved drainage and greatly improved playing conditions. Schmidt Curley has also incorporated a state-of-the-art irrigation system to enhance overall turf conditions throughout the classic course.