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Naples, FL – The ACE Group Classic hosted by Peter Jacobsen is partnering with The First Tee of Naples/Collier and The First Tee of Philadelphia to present The First Tee Champions Challenge on Sunday, February 22. The First Tee Champions Challenge will pit two teams representing two First Tee Chapters in a one-hole challenge to receive The First Tee Champions Challenge Trophy. The winning team will be allowed to display the trophy at their First Tee Chapter until the 2010 ACE Group Classic.
“We are excited to debut The First Tee Champions Challenge following the conclusion of The ACE Group Classic,” said Tournament Director Jason Camp. “We have created this event to highlight The First Tee and the wonderful work they do in communities across the United States and we expect it to become an annual part of The ACE Group Classic.”
The First Tee Champions Challenge will feature two foursomes competing in a one-hole scramble event on the 18th hole of TPC Treviso Bay following the conclusion of The ACE Group Classic. One foursome will represent The First Tee of Naples/Collier and the other foursome will represent The First Tee of Philadelphia. The teams will be comprised of two members of that particular First Tee Chapter, one Champions Tour professional and one First Tee corporate executive.
The ACE Group’s Philadelphia office is located near The First Tee of Philadelphia and has promoted the Chapter for many years. John Lupica, president and CEO of ACE USA, supports the concept. “This challenge is a great idea to showcase The First Tee and two deserving members from both Chapters,” said Lupica. “The ACE Group of Companies’ involvement was a natural fit. We have a great relationship with the Philadelphia Chapter and funds from The ACE Group Classic have created a solid foundation for the Naples/Collier Chapter.”
Reinhold Schmieding, founder and president of Arthrex, co-founder of The First Tee of Naples/Collier will represent the local Chapter. The First Tee of Naples/Collier has selected Rene Kelly and Katie McLaughlin to represent their Chapter. Rene has completed her Eagle certification in the Life Skills curriculum and represented the Naples/Collier Chapter in the Walmart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach in 2008. Katie has completed Birdie certification in the Life Skills curriculum and participated in last year’s USGA Scholar-Athlete Games in Rhode Island while representing The First Tee of Naples/Collier.
“Arthrex is proud to support the mission of the First Tee that combines the social and athletic building attributes of golf with the education of integrity for children in our community,” said Schmieding.
“The First Tee has had a strong first year here in Naples,” said Tom Flood, president and CEO of Collier Enterprises, co-founding sponsor of The First Tee of Naples/Collier, “The First Tee Champions Challenge provides an opportunity to demonstrate the success and value of the program to the entire community.”
Champions Tour professional Gary Koch will represent the Naples/Collier team and Jay Sigel will represent the Philadelphia team.
