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Eight Pocono Mountains Golf Destination Courses Ranked Among GolfStyles Philadelphia’s '100 Must-Play Courses’ for 2008
Press Release

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The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau today announces that eight member golf courses of the destination, "Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf's Great Destination Secret" have been named to GolfStyles Philadelphia magazine's “100 Must-Play Courses of Greater Philadelphia” for 2008.

These eight courses – Buck Hill, Hideaway Hills, Mountain Laurel, Pocono Manor, Shawnee, Split Rock, Water Gap and Woodloch Springs – are just some of the many golf and resort options awaiting visitors to Northeastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains.

“The Pocono Mountains are blessed with many beautiful and challenging golf courses,” says Carl Wilgus, executive director of the PMVB. “While we’re excited to see eight of our member courses recognized as ‘must-play,’ there are many more gems to be discovered in this golf-rich part of the state.”

An interesting golf course design dichotomy exists in the Pocono Mountains with options ranging from expansive layouts with forced carries, generous putting surfaces and dramatic vistas of the surrounding area to parkland courses with tree-lined fairways and tricky greens. Regardless of playing ability or budget, the Pocono Mountains meet the needs of any discerning golfer.

The close proximity of the Pocono Mountains to Philadelphia, New York City and other metropolitan areas makes it a natural fit for golfers looking to experience this wide variety of playing options by legendary designers such as Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast and Jack Nicklaus – all of whom have left their masterful mark on the region.

Countless additions and enhancements have taken place at Pocono Mountains courses and resorts over the last few years and many more are planned in the coming months and years. It's time for golfers, families, couples and friends to relax, reconnect and rediscover the authentic glory of the venerable Pocono Mountains.

In addition to great golf, the Pocono Mountains boast relaxing spas, hiking, biking, boating, fine dining and much more.

For more information about "Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf's Great Destination Secret" visit www.poconosgolf.com or call 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). For more information on the area, visit www.800poconos.com.

About the “Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret” The Pocono Mountains has long been known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family friendly ambiance and romantic setting, as well as its fall foliage, winter skiing, spring-summer outdoor recreation options and natural beauty. Numerous lakes, parks and other environmental wonderlands are found throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region.

Discerning golfers are well aware that the Pocono Mountains are home to golf courses designed by renowned architects such as Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast.Pocono Mountains golf properties and value-laden golf packages are available on www.poconosgolf.com, which allows players to enjoy majestic mountain-view scenery, the area’s natural splendor, year-round amenities and unequaled value and variety.

Attributes of the golf-and-resort properties and destination include:

* Home to hundreds of golf holes at numerous clubs, many located close to one another:
* Two NASCAR races held annually each spring-summer
* Golden Era of Golf Architecture period designs strongly represented by legendary designers Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast
* Golf, lodging and resort accommodations at all price points, from luxury to value
* Hiking, biking, camping, spas, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities
* Attractions, festivals and other special events
* Meeting and conference facilities
* Great food at a wide array of eating establishments and resort restaurants
* Bed & breakfasts, country inns and resorts
* Antique shops, outlet malls and other unique shopping venues