ACE Group Classic returns to Southwest Florida

For two decades, the legends of golf have returned to Naples for a unique Champions Tour tradition. Beginning with Gary Player's win in 1988, The ACE Group Classic has seen victories from Littler, Trevino, and Irwin, along with last year's winner Bobby Wadkins. This year the tradition continues with the 21st annual Tournament at Quail West Golf Club in North Naples, Feb. 11 - 17.

Wadkins returns to Quail West in hopes of successfully defending his title. Last year, his birdie on the final hole of the tournament se sealed a comeback from two strokes down with three holes to play. In winning, he joins brother Lanny, the 2000 champion of the event, in only the third time in Champions Tour history a set of brothers has won the same tournament.

The purse is $1.6 million for the field, but more importantly, The ACE Group Classic continues to support various educational organizations in the area, sustaining their partnership with the Education Foundation of Collier County in 2008.

Locally, the tournament benefits The Education Foundation of Collier County, Gulf Coast Junior Tour, YMCA, Kiwanis Club of North Naples, and the Alzheimer's Support Network and nationally supports The ACE INA Foundation and The First Tee.

Gary Player, winner of the first ACE Group Classic in 1988 participates in the 2007 event at Quail West Golf Club.

The Education Foundation of Collier County is the largest recipient of the tournament's charity. Founded in 1990, the independent non-profit organization enhances learning for Collier County children and their teachers by engaging community support. The Education Foundation has grown steadily over the past thirteen years providing more than $5.5 million in support to our local school system.

As in previous years, The ACE Group Classic depends on over 800 volunteers to take part in their first-class volunteer program, and is now accepting volunteer applications. Participants discover it's a great way to have fun, meet new people and help the community. The volunteer experience places participants at the side of golf's legends allowing them to get an insider look at a Champions Tour golf event.

COURTESY PHOTO Bobby Wadkins escapes from the bunker during his 2007 ACE Group Classic victory at Quail West Golf Club.

There are a number of different committees with unique responsibilities, including: Golf Channel support, walking scorers, hole marshals and laser operators. Training will be provided for committees requiring specific knowledge. Golf knowledge is not required and families and friends are encouraged to participate.

Volunteers can register by downloading an application from the website or calling (239) 593-3900 ext. 221. Online volunteer registration is also available at www.acegroupclassic. com. All printed applications should be mailed to: The ACE Group Classic, 1016 Collier Center Way, Suite 206, Naples, Fla. 34110.

Volunteers receive a $70 package including a volunteer golf shirt, Antigua outerwear, unisex visor or hat, Volunteer Credential valid for admission throughout Tournament Week, lunch and parking on scheduled workdays, and an invitation to the Volunteer Appreciation Party. Participants are required to work at least three shifts, each five to six hours long.

The annual ACE Group Classic Ultimate Golf Experience Book is returning in 2008 with a new and expanded version. The package includes one weekly grounds badge and 124 rounds of golf at 11 area courses for discounted fees. The cost of one book is $125. The 2008 version adds three new courses and 52 additional rounds to last year's book.

Southwest Florida courses include; Bonita Bay West, Grandezza, Kensington, Miromar Lakes, Olde Cypress, Palmira, Shadow Wood, Spanish Wells, The Quarry, TwinEagles, and Verandah, with limited restrictions on dates of play.

The Ultimate Golf Experience Book can be purchased via website at www.acegroupclassic.com, or by calling 1-800-566-3470. The offer is also available at Fifth Third Bank branches in the local area.