February 16, 2009
I am very excited that The ACE Group Classic is finally here! It kicks off today with a week full of great golf and fun activities. Everyone will finally get their first look at the new TPC Treviso Bay, which will prove to be a tremendous test for the pros and amateurs alike.
Some of the activities available include the “Demo Days presented by Lumpy’s” Wednesday through Sunday where fans can test out the latest in golf technology on the driving range as well as take a nostalgic walk through the past 21 years of ACE Group Classic history at the ‘Wachovia Walk of Champions.’
Our good friends from the Naples Daily News are once again sponsoring “Autograph Alley,” which is located off of the 18th green. This is where you’ll be able to get an autograph from your favorite players after they finish their round of golf.
I look forward to seeing you all out at the ACE Group Classic.
January 21, 2009
We are only a month away from The ACE Group Classic at its new home, the TPC Treviso Bay. The golf course is in fantastic shape – we could hold the tournament there tomorrow – and I know the players are gonna love it! A few Champions Tour players have been able to get out and see the course, including Bruce Fleisher, Chip Beck, Russ Cochran and John Harris. They all feel that it is a very demanding layout and that it will give the tournament a shot in the arm. There’s no question that Treviso Bay is a ball-striker’s course.
As many of you know, the clubhouse is under construction, so it will not be available for the first year of the event, but we will more than make up for that with a temporary structure that we are in the process of building. Our primary concern is to ensure that the players, sponsors and fans all enjoy a safe and first-class experience. The anticipation will only grow as we look forward to the completion of the clubhouse for The ACE Group Classic in 2010.
On a personal note, I am sorry to report that in December, during my preparation for the 2009 season, I tore the rotator cuff in my left shoulder and underwent surgery last week with Dr. Michael Havig here in Naples. Unfortunately, it looks like I will be out for 3-4 months, which means I will not be competing in the 2009 ACE Group Classic. Coming on top of all my other surgical procedures over the last three years, this is a devastating blow to my plans, but one that I will deal with as I’ve dealt with all the others before.
I will definitely be on-site all week during the ACE, enjoying the tournament from outside of the ropes! I thank all of you for your continued support of this great championship. We have so many great competitive players who come to Naples each and every year, and I know that this year will be no different. I look forward to seeing you out at Treviso Bay next month for the ACE Group Classic.
December 29, 2008
If you haven’t seen the new Treviso Bay course, I encourage you to come out to the ACE and check it out. I’m sure you’ll love it and will want to give it a try. My goal with the ACE Group Classic is to help out in any way I possibly can and to help it continue to be the best tournament on the Champions Tour schedule. This event has been in Naples for 22 years and the guys on Tour love it – that’s why you see a top-notch field every year. The weather, the food, the hospitality and the fans make an alluring combination for each and every pro, and with your help we’ll continue to have a fantastic event for many years to come. I wish everyone a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. I look forward to seeing you all at the 2009 ACE Group Classic.