Austin, Texas � November 4, 2004 � G. Michael Thomas, president and COO, Barton Creek Resort & Spa, was recently promoted to Regional Vice President, and in addition to his duties at Barton Creek, will now manage several Austin-area ClubCorp Country Clubs. Thomas� duties will include oversight and management of The Hills Country Club, Lakeway Golf Club, and Lost Creek Country Club in Austin and Wildflower Country Club in Temple.

�This is a great opportunity to share Michael's strengths with other ClubCorp operations,� said Rich Beckert, executive vice president, Operations for ClubCorp. �This will bring his consistent record of success to our clubs across Austin.�

Thomas brings 30 years experience in the resort industry and will continue to manage and supervise all operational aspects of the award-winning Barton Creek Resort & Spa, which recently received the AAA Four Diamond rating for the ninth year in a row.

Prior to joining Barton Creek, Thomas served as president and COO of the Daufuskie Island Resort in South Carolina, which received the Pinehurst Company Special Achievement Award under his watch in 2000.  Additionally, he has served as president and general manager of The Tides in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, general manager of the prestigious Fisher Island Club off Miami Beach, and vice president and general manger of the Hammock Dunes/Palm Coast Resort in Florida, which was named Sheraton Resort of the Year (1988). 

Thomas also held a successful general manager stint at the renowned Sawgrass Resort in Florida, home the PGA Tour Headquarters and the PGA�s TPC Championship Golf Tournament.  Thomas also held management positions at Wintergreen Resort in Virginia and Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island.

Thomas is a member of the AH&LA National Resort Committee and the Southern Innkeepers Association, for which he also serves on the board of directors. He was recently appointed to Texas Tourism Advisory Committee and previously served on the Board of Directors of both the Virginia and South Carolina AH&LA organizations. 

Located in Austin, in the heart of the glorious Texas Hill Country, Barton Creek Resort & Spa combines impeccable service with its classic brand of Austin casual elegance set in luxurious surroundings.  Featuring 300 beautifully appointed rooms, Barton Creek has something for everyone and boasts superior dining experiences, 72 holes of nationally acclaimed championship golf, the industry�s finest meeting facilities and a full-service spa, including a unique line of Texas-themed services.  The resort is one of nearly 200 clubs and resorts worldwide owned and operated by Dallas-based ClubCorp, which was founded in 1957 and has approximately $1.5 billion in assets.