Ariansen receives a Champions Tour-logoed Waterford crystal gift and will now become a finalist for the Champions Tour’s Volunteer of the Year award at the conclusion of the 2012 season. She will also receive a personal note from Champions Tour President Mike Stevens in recognition of his achievement.

Nancy Ariansen receives her award for Volunteer of the Tournament from Tournament Coordinator, Kyler O’Shea.

At each Champions Tour event, an individual is recognized for outstanding service and dedication above and beyond the expectation of a volunteer and that person becomes a finalist for the year-end award.

Volunteers are always present, but often unnoticed, at all PGA TOUR co-sanctioned events, with approximately 1,000 people providing their time and efforts at each Champions Tour tournament. Their selfless efforts have helped the PGA TOUR and its tournaments donate more than $1.7 billion to charity over the years, including more than $118 million last year.

Lesley Baker, Tournament Director of the ACE Group Classic, along with tournament staff, volunteer leaders and Champions Tour Advance Rules/Operations Officials determined the Volunteer of the Tournament by considering the qualities and attributes to select an individual who:

• Made a difference in tournament operations

• Consistently stepped up to take on additional responsibilities.

• Went beyond assigned duties to create a positive outcome.

• Set an outstanding example for others.

• Despite hardship, handicap or inconvenience, was dependable and performed responsibilities with a cheerful attitude.

Ariansen grew up in suburban Boston, but she and her husband, Bud, moved permanently to Naples in 2009. In addition to working at the ACE Group Classic, she has also served as a volunteer at the Franklin Templeton Shootout for 10 years and has worked at the Deutsche Bank Championship near Boston as well as the LPGA’s Sybase Classic.

Ariansen works in the tournament office at the ACE Group Classic, both during the week of the event and the week prior. She fields calls, answers questions from callers, and is the first face people see when they walk into the on-site facility. In a sometimes frantic environment, Ariansen handles every project in a professional manner and is as much a part of the Octagon team as any of the full-time tournament staffers.

“Nancy goes out of her way to ensure all of our staff are happy and helps provide what they need in order to execute our event to the highest standard possible,” Baker said. “She leads by example, is level-headed and easy to communicate with, and approaches everyone with a warm smile and a willingness to get the job done no matter the challenge. We congratulate Nancy and know we are very fortunate to have her involved with our event.”

“Congratulations to Nancy for being named as the Champions Tour Volunteer of the Tournament,” said Mike Stevens, President of the Champions Tour. “Typical of the thousands of volunteers who devote their time and efforts throughout the year, Nancy stands out as a fine example of the people who have become part of the fabric of the Champions Tour and have helped us to realize the success we enjoy. We thank her, and recognize her for her incredible dedication to the ACE Group Classic.”

Mark Williams Director, Communications, Champions Tour

“On behalf of the players, the Champions Tour and our staff, I want to thank everyone who came out in support of The ACE Group Classic at The TwinEagles Club,” said Tournament Director Lesley Baker. “From the sponsors to the volunteers and fans, the support the event receives is unbelievable. We are also happy to let everyone know proceeds from the event go directly back into the community through our numerous charity beneficiaries.”

Now for a limited time, fans can purchase two Ultimate Golf Experience Books at a discounted price of $150 (regularly $198). The Ultimate Golf Experience Book offers golf for the price of a cart fee at 31 of the best golf courses in Southwest Florida. Rounds begin in May. This year, 24 participating golf courses are offering an unlimited number of discounted rounds to golf book purchasers. The golf book is limited to one player per book and date restrictions apply.

The offer is available by phone at (239) 593-3900, online at www.acegroupclassic.com or in the Naples PGA TOUR Superstore.

“The Golf Book is a great way to experience all the golf courses that Southwest Florida has to offer and this promotion allows you to do that with a playing partner,” said Baker.

Kenny Perry (64-62-70=196) captured his second title on the Champions Tour by dominating the field at The ACE Group Classic. Perry shot a final round two-under par to keep himself five shots clear of defending champion Bernhard Langer. After the tournament, Perry stressed how much he enjoyed his time in Naples this week. “I love playing out here. I’ve always said that. I have a great time out here and I had a great week this week,” Perry said. “I’ve had a lot of success here in Naples. I really like Naples. I’ve enjoyed my time here.”

For additional information visit www.acegroupclassic.com.

MORNING CUP OF JOE (FEB. 27, 2012)

By Joe Klimas

Kenny Perry kept on running Sunday to take the 25th Annual ACE Group Classic by 5 strokes and take home $240,00 from the purse of $1.6 million at “The Silver Anniversary” event, as it returned after several years to The Twin Eagles Club. Perry stated that Naples is one of his favorite places to play, as he has won the Shark Shootout, and now The ACE Group Classic, which will return to the popular TwinEagles in 2013. As the starter on the 10th tee, quite a few of the Champions Tour players commented on the fine condition of the course, and are happy to come back. Once again. Players, the likes of Jim Colbert and Bruce Fleisher, along with many other, regaled spectators on the first and tenth tees with some great stories.

I’m not sure if it’s a tour record, but defending champion Bernhard Langer, who finished second completed a remarkable feat of eagling the 17th hole all three days, despite the 25-30 mph winds on Sunday.

Once again I must compliment the over 750 volunteers who make the event possible, especially two ladies from Naples Heritage who assisted me on the 10th tee. Alan Wolfe in the Media Center, along with the tournament staff, and the staff at Twin Eagles were of great assistance.

I eagerly look forward to the 26th event next year. Adios amigos, adieu. Thanks for another great run.

See you in 2013, if the good lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise.

Perry totaled 24 birdies — two short of the tour record for a 54-hole event — and tied Allen Doyle (1999) for the largest margin of victory in the 25-year-old tournament.

On Saturday, Perry set the tour’s 36-hole scoring record with an 18 under par performance.

2012 ACE Group Classic Champion Kenny Perry

NAPLES, FL (FEB. 19, 2012) – Kenny Perry (64-62-70=196) captured his second title on the Champions Tour by dominating the field at The ACE Group Classic. Perry shot a final round two-under par to keep himself five shots clear of defending champion Bernhard Langer. This was Perry’s first victory since winning the 2011 SAS Championship at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC.

Perry stressed how much he enjoyed his time in Naples this week. “I love playing out here. I’ve always said that. I have a great time out here and I had a great week this week,” Perry said. “I’ve had a lot of success here in Naples. I really like Naples. I’ve enjoyed my time here.” Perry had previously won two times in Naples, teaming up with John Huston in 2005 and Scott Hoch in 2008 at the Franklin Templeton Shootout, an unofficial PGA TOUR event. This was the first time Perry competed in The ACE Group Classic, as well as his first time playing the Talon Course at TwinEagles.

Perry, who started the final round with a three shot lead over Larry Mize, had three birdies on the front nine to get him to 21-under par for the tournament. Despite two bogeys on the back nine, no one got within four shots of him. Perry totaled 24 birdies – just two short of the tour record for a 54-hole event — and tied Allen Doyle (1999) for the largest margin of victory in the 25-year history of The ACE Group Classic.

Perry also set the Champions Tour’s 36-hole scoring record in relation to par at 18-under following a 62 in Saturday’s second round. Early in the final round it looked like Perry may put himself in position to break several other tournament records. However, a bogey on the final hole dropped Perry into a tie with Langer for the tournament scoring record Langer set last year.

After two very calm days at TwinEagles, wind gusts topped 30 mph during the final round. Even with the wind, Perry was able to run away from the field. Regarding today’s windy conditions, Perry stated, “Yeah, that was pretty concerning when I got out on the range this morning, it was blowing 25 (mph). I was like oh, brother, this golf course is going to play totally different.” Despite the wind, Perry played solid golf throughout the entire round. There is no doubt that his three shot lead at the beginning of the round allowed him to play a little more conservatively. Before his final round Perry stated, “My goal was just to par every hole. My target score was pars, and if I could sneak a birdie in there every now and then, hopefully they draw interest, kind of hang on to them.”

With the win, Perry earned 240 Charles Schwab Cup points. The player earning the most Schwab Cup points throughout the Champions Tour season will receive a $1 million payout.

Langer (66-65-70=201) eagled No. 17 for the third straight day and finished in second place. Tom Lehman, the 2011 Champions Tour Player of the Year, was in second place for most of the final round, but bogeys on No. 12 and No. 17 relegated him to a tie for third. He finished at even par on the day to tie Bill Glasson (68) and Mike Goodes (69) for third. First-round leader Larry Mize was tied for second going into the last hole, but he then hit two balls into the water and dropped to seventh place with a final round 75.

For complete information on The ACE Group Classic visit www.theacegroupclassic.com.

(CADILLAC) - The Talon Course at The TwinEagles Club has many picturesque locations to catch all the action taking place at the 25th anniversary edition of Champions Tour golf in Naples at this year’s ACE Group Classic. From gleaming ponds, grassy fairways and rolling dunes, the Talon Course is truly a beaut, however on the final day of tournament week the best place see history unfolding is around the 18th green. With public bleachers, Fuzzy’s Vodka Patio and the Zig Zag Lounge Skyboxes each nestled around the green on No. 18, there’s not a bad seat in the house but for a truly unique vantage point head over to the Cadillac display across the pond from 18 green.

The backseat of the Cadillac Escalade offers a neat view unlike any other on the course, but you can also pick up some tees, ball markers and divot repair tools while learning about the latest and greatest developments in the Cadillac fleet.

(GEICO) -  Of course there are plenty of familiar faces from the Champions Tour here in Naples this week for the 25th anniversary edition of The ACE Group Classic, fan favorites including Nick Price, Hale Irwin and Corey Pavin are just a few playing to the great crowds here at The TwinEagles Club, but there’s also a recognizable reptile at the GEICO display next to the driving range.

By dropping your name and contact info you’ll be entered to win $500 in gas, sinking a couple putts at the putting green will earn you a GEICO Gecko headcover, and the closest to the pin in the shot simulator will add a Cleveland wedge to your bag.

MORNING CUP OF JOE (FEB. 19, 2012)

By Joe Klimas

Kenny Perry has roared back with a 10 under 62 to sit at 18 under (126) to wrest the number one spot from first round leader Larry Mize after 36 holes at the 25th Annual Ace Group Classic at The Twin Eagles Club. Tom Lehman sits in third, with defending champion Bernhard Langer fourth heading into Sunday’s third and final round. Competition in the one point six million dollar tournament on Sunday will begin an hour earlier at 9:15. Tickets for the final round are available. The tournament leaders will hit from the first tee on Sunday at 11:15, so set that alarm clock an hour earlier.

As the Silver Anniversary, The 25th Annual ACE Group Classic, gets ready for it’s final round on Sunday, there are still several memories from years past. One of the best is a little story about Jack Schirmer, a member at Countryside. He was a security guard when the event was played at Quail West. I happened to pass by him on my way into the clubhouse and he reminded me of a character in a television show popular back in those days. As a result, from that day on, myself and many others referred to him as the school teacher in that series, Harvey Lipschitz.

My good friend and long time former sports editor of the Naples Daily News Tom Rife, has been involved in covering local sports for over 30 years and was there from the tournaments inception. One of the early volunteer chairmen was Randy Gaffney, a banker in town who was connected with the Conservancy. He was always appreciative of the volunteers, and worked very hard to show his and the Conservancy’s thanks. Steve Klee, the General Manager of the Vineyards, was extremely organized and was a gracious host for the event when it was held there.

Sunday should prove to be an exciting conclusion for this 25th Anniversary of The ACE Group Classic, so come on out and enjoy. I’ll see you there.