Photos from today's final round of The ACE Group Classic are now available > here
Fred Couples sat down with Tournament officials after his win at The ACE Group Classic to discuss his win. "I didn't need to do anything stupid or crazy, just keep plugging along," said Couples. "The next thing I know... I looked at the leaderboard and I was tied and seriously was shocked. I shot 8-under, thought with whatever stroke lead I had... it would certainly be easy enough."
"The other day I texted him after our first rounds, and I said, 'hey, you know, let's have fun this year and keep up the good playing.' He texted back something like, 'Yeah, I hear ya.' And then three days later I wasn't all that thrilled about the text when he was 11-under-par after 53 holes."
"He is a great player. He's been working very hard on his game."
Tommy Armour III posted a final round 61 and giving Fred Couples a challenge for the title. Armour set a new tournament and course record.
Read the full transcript > here
Fred Couples, the 2010 ACE Group Classic Champion, took time at the end of his round to make a toast with founders of The Quarry. "I loved the course from the first time I played it," said Couples.
Naples, FL – Fred Couples (68-67-64=199) captured his first title on the Champions Tour by outlasting Tommy Armour III at The ACE Group Classic. Couples shot a bogey-free final round eight-under-par and needed every bit of it to beat Armour III by one stroke. It was his first official event victory since the 2003 Shell Houston Open on the PGA TOUR.
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Tommy Armour III posted a final round 61 and gave Fred Couples a strong challenge for the title. Armour set a new tournament and course record. "I played well... didn't miss too many shots... played solid," said Armour. "Any course sets up well if you're driving it well, hitting good irons and put goods. It's the truth, you adapt to the course."
The Administaff Driving Range at the ACE Group Classic is the perfect spot for spectators to watch the legends of golf prepare for their championship rounds. Due to second round play being suspended due to darkness, several notable professionals will be awaiting official news from Champions Tour officials on their final round tee times making the Administaff Driving Range the perfect location to catch your favorite golfer preparing for his round.
Champions Tour professional and 2009 Charles Schwab Cup Championship winner John Cook is currently in the mix at the ACE Group Classic. Cook is currently T14 after finishing his second round yesterday before play was suspended due to darkness. He sat down with Tournament officials for a short interview.
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Fifth Third card holders receive free admission tomorrow to the final round Sunday, February 14 by showing their debit or credit card at the main gate courtesy of Fifth Third Bank. Fifth Third Bank has also distributed ATMs throughout the Tournament course for convenience of tournament spectators. ATMs can be found at the tournament entrance and outside The Quarry clubhouse.
Champions Tour professional and 2009 Allianz Champion Mike Goodes is currently in a five-way tie for third place at the ACE Group Classic. Goodes is currently 5-under through 16 holes in the second round of the ACE Group Classic. For the day, he carded five birdies through only 16 holes in the second round. Tomorrow he will begin on Hole #17 at approximately 8:00 a.m. Goodes sat down with tournament officials after play was suspended due to darkness to discuss the day.
"I played good today... just got a couple holes I need to finish strong tomorrow," said Goodes. "They got better [scores]... you get the wind laying down, there's too many good ball strikers and putters."
Read the full transcript > here
Champions Tour rookie Fred Couples is currently leading the ACE Group Classic in his first full field Champions Tour event. Couples is currently 5-under through 13 holes in the second round of the ACE Group Classic. For the day, Couples carded four birdies and an eagle on hole #12 through only 13 holes of the second round. Couples sat down with Tournament officials after play was suspended due to darkness to discuss his lead.
"I like playing with these guys... they've got a lot of guys who win tournaments out here because they play good and they play a lot," said Couples. "But my goal is to win on this Tour and the sooner, the better."
Read the full transcript > here
The second round will resume Sunday morning at 8:00am. Tournament officials expect the final round to begin at approximately 10:15am, with the final group teeing off at 12:25pm. There will be a split tee start with pros starting on both the 1st and 10th tees.
- Public Gates open at 7:00am
- Second round resumes at 8:00am
- Third round begins at 10:15am
- Lumpy's Demo Days on the practice range - All Day
- 18th Green Trophy Ceremony - Immediately after play
- Golf Channel TV Coverage - 7:00-9:30pm
Second round play was suspended at 6:25 due to darkness with the final group through 13 holes. Fred Couples holds a two-stroke lead at -9 with the help of an eagle on the par-5 12th. Play will resume at 8:00am Sunday morning.
The second round teed off at 1:00pm on the 1st and 10th tees. The final group, with leaders Couples, Forsman and Black, will tee off at 3:10pm. Players will compete until sundown and resume their rounds Sunday morning.
2nd Round Pairings > Click Here
Notable Groups:
2:00 pm - Hole 1
Craig Stadler, Curtis Strange, Loren Roberts
2:20 pm - Hole 1
Larry Mize, Paul Azinger, Mike Goodes
2:50 pm - Hole 1
Peter Jacobsen, Fred Funk, Tom Kite
3:10 pm - Hole 1
Fred Couples, Dan Forsman, Ronnie Black
Champions Tour professional Olin Browne is currently T7 after finishing the first round at 2-under. Browne sat down with Tournament officials to discuss off the course interests...
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Paul Azinger and Fred Couples take time to sign autographs at the Naples Daily News Autograph Alley
Spectators are lining up in the Naples Daily News Autograph Alley at the 18th hole of the ACE Group Classic as Champions Tour professionals conclude their first rounds. The Naples Daily News Autograph Alley helps to provide spectators access to golf's greats after play, as well as provide opportunities to create memorable experiences for fans.
Dan Forsman has played a terrific stretch of golf on the back nine of his first round in gusty winds. He has birdied five consecutive holes, 12-16, to give him eight birdies on the round. He stands 6-under-par with a two stroke lead.
The ACE Group Classic is a Naples favorite and what better way for it to show community support than to highlight local businesses. Companies have set up tents at the entrance to the ACE Group Classic to display various products. The interactive area gives spectators the opportunity to receive free golf tips, enter into various raffles and support local establishments.
Seminole Club 21 Skybox
A limited number of Seminole Club 21 Skybox tickets are available for tomorrow's second round at the ACE Group Classic. Skybox tickets are available at the main entrance for $95 and includes access to the 18th green skybox that offers a free open bar and food buffet, as well as Seminole Casino discounts. Offer available only at tournament entrance.
First round spectators were entertained by a ski show on Stone Lake from 4:00 - 5:30pm despite play being postponed due to weather. Tomorrow's ski show will begin again at 4:00 p.m. on Stone Lake during the second round of the ACE Group Classic.
Photos from today's first round of The ACE Group Classic are now available > here.
First round play at The ACE Group Classic has been postponed for the rest of the day. First round play will resume tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Second round tee times will begin at 12:30 p.m. off of Tees #1 and #10. Daily tickets used for admittance today (Friday, February 12) will not be valid tomorrow (Saturday, February 13).
Black discusses his first round
Ronnie Black is the clubhouse leader today as the first round of The ACE Group Classic was postponed until tomorrow due to weather conditions. "I had an advantage because I got out early... when the wind was probably only blowing 15 or 20 miles an hour," said Black. "[These are] some of the tightest fairways that we play, that I've ever played. The golf course, the second shots into the greens are very nice."
Read full transcript > here
The ACE Group Classic field is one of the best in the history of the Tournament. The field is comprised of 10 Ryder Cup captains (Azinger, Crenshaw, James, Kite, Langer, Strange, Sutton, Trevino, Wadkins, Woosnam) and three President Cup captains (Couples, Irwin, Player). There are also 11 World Golf Hall of Fame Members.
The field is also comprised of 20 major winners which account for 43 major championships on the PGA TOUR. The field accounts for a combined 865 victories on both TOURS.
Champions Tour rookie Paul Azinger reflects on his debut against strong competition. "When I look at the names on that list, it's like a Who's Who in the game of golf," said Azinger. "These are stars. every one of them are stars... They can play."
The Champions Tour has earned the reputation as the most accessible, approachable and fan-friendly organization of all major league sports, a place where champions of the sport welcome their fans to be a part of the experience. One of the most popular fan-friendly features on the Champions Tour is the Honorary Observer program. Honorary Observers enjoy the experience of a lifetime walking inside the ropes with Champions Tour players during Tournament play. Their names are also announced on the first tee to the gallery where their picture will be taking with their Champions Tour threesome. The players will sign the photo at the conclusion of their rounds, providing a very special keepsake.
The ACE Group Classic staff is running various promotions that give fans an opportunity to win this special opportunity.
1. Become a Facebook fan of the ACE Group Classic page and answer Champions Tour trivia at http://www.facebook.com/pages/ACE-Group-Classic/168458636722
2. Become a Twitter follower of the ACE Group Classic page and answer Champions Tour trivia at http://twitter.com/ACEGroupClassic
3. Continue to visit the Tournament blog throughout the weekend for additional opportunities.
Two-time Charles Schwab Cup winner and last year's ACE Group Classic champion Loren Roberts has embroidered the Eagles for St. Jude logo on his golf bag as a constant reminder of his financial commitment to donate funds for every birdie he makes during his 2010 season. In 2009, Roberts made a total of seven eagles during his Champions Tour season.
"I joined the Eagles for St. Jude team last year and I thought it was a great program. It is very humbling to know what the patients are going through but it's uplifting to know I am helping in the fight against cancer," said Roberts. "Placing the logo on my golf bag is another way to share the Eagles for St. Jude program with other players. I'll be around other golfers and I'll plan to talk to them about St. Jude and the program."
For more information on St. Jude Children's Research Hospital visit www.stjude.org.
Champions Tour professional Fulton Allem is currently T2 behind Ronnie Black. Allem is 3-under through the first seven holes. Allem sat down with Tournament officials earlier for a quick interview...
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Two groups of contestants were chosen for the "Dress Fore Golf" contest, winning due to their most unique golf attire, during the first round of The ACE Group Classic. Cousins Maggie and Lola Jones were picked based on their "funky" golf skirts and were paired with the Tommy Armour III, Gary Koch and Paul Azinger group that teed off at 9:35 a.m. Robert Faherty Jr. was picked for his checkered knickers and pink socks and was paired with the Jay Haas, Peter Jacobsen and Fred Couples group that teed off at 9:55 a.m.
Champions Tour newcomer Fred Couples teed off this morning at his first ACE Group Classic with the largest gallery of the morning showing their support. Couples is paired with Champions Tour favorites Peter Jacobsen and Jay Haas. The group teed off at 9:55 a.m. this morning.
David Peoples has withdrawn from the field and will be replaced by Bruce Vaughan. Vaughn will tee off at 8:55 a.m.
Pro preferences with Bernhard Langer
Champions Tour professional Bernhard Langer sat down with Tournament officials to discuss some off the course topics. Langer, who finished T9 at last month's Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hualalai, is coming off of a strong 2009 performance where he carded 15 top-10 finishes and 20 top-25 finishes out of 20 total events.
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Charles Schwab Cup runner-up Fred Funk sat down with Tournament officials today to discuss the state of his game.
"I'm excited about this year because I'm looking forward to knowing that the leg is going to get better and better as we go instead of getting worse and worse," said Funk. "My goal is to be in contention... and climb up on the Schwab Cup."
Read the full transcript > here
Morning Results
First Place Team: Score 51
Professional: Paul Azinger
Amateurs: John Lupica, Eric Andersen, Don Bailey, Richard Hylant
Second Place Team: Score 53 *Determined by scorecard playoff
Professional: Lee Trevino
Amateurs: Rees Fletcher, Kirk Cresto, Michael Lusk, Joseph Restoule
Third Place Team: Score 53
Professional: Jay Haas
Amateurs: Bob Goosman, Bob Ash, Don Schweitzer, Gene Nagel
Proximity Awards
Closest to the Pin #2: Scott Manecke - 20 feet, 7.5 inches
Closest to the Pin #15: Charlie Cantlay - 17 feet, 6 inches
Women's Longest Drive #17: Bonnie Dudley
Men's Longest Drive #18: Johnny Boone
Afternoon Results
First Place Team: Score 52 *Determined by scorecard playoff
Professional: Joey Sindelar
Amateurs: Donald Lee, Michael Smith, Jon Davis, Jay Zack
Second Place Team: Score 52
Professional: Larry Nelson
Amateurs: John Costigan, John Henry, Mac McDonald, Spencer Ciesla
Third Place Team: Score 53
Professional: Don Pooley
Amateurs: Roy Sellers, Debbie Harrison, Pamela Gourley, Barb Greg-Harrison
Proximity Awards
Closest to the Pin #2: Tom Bosway - 6 feet
Closest to the Pin #15: Mike Smith - 3 feet, 4 inches
Ladies Longest Drive #17: Erika Schmieding
Mens Longest Drive #18: Jeff Glase
Champions Tour newcomer Freddie Couples, sat down with Tournament officials about his expectations for this week's ACE Group Classic and his future career on the Champions Tour.
"It's a good golf course... it's hard," said Couples. "It's in very good shape. Any golf course is hard when the wind blows and this one is right in there with those. There's some water that you've got to maneuver the ball around, but I think it's a good course. I think the players will like it."
"I think it's a great Tour," said Couples as he described the Champions Tour. "I think the play is exceptional. The only reason I know that is because I've watched for a long time and once you get out here, they all hit the ball the same..."
Read the full transcript > here
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Dress to Impress Friday, walk with the pros...
Naples Daily News is sponsoring the "Dress Fore Golf" Challenge during tomorrow's first round. Pairs of spectators who dress up in their most unique golf attire (i.e., knickers, plus-fours, etc.) will be chosen by tournament officials between 8 and 9 a.m. Friday at the main gate to participate in the Champions Tour's official Inside the Ropes program.
Four winners - pairs of two - will be granted the opportunity to walk 18 holes inside the ropes with some of Friday's best pairings.
Pairings include:
9:35 am - Tommy Armour III, Gary Koch, Paul Azinger
9:55 am - Jay Haas, Peter Jacobsen, Fred Couples
10:05 am - Bernhard Langer, Lanny Wadkins, Lee Trevino
10:25 am - Andy Bean, Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw
Pro preferences with Bob Gilder...
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11. Call or text
12. Necktie or bowtie
13. Scuba diving or bungee jumping
14. Music or movies
15. Camping out or hotel
Pro preferences with Tom Kite...
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2. Beach or Pool
3. Basketball or Football
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A few minutes with Dan Forsman...
Champions Tour professional Dan Forsman is onsite at The ACE Group Classic preparing for the championship rounds Friday - Sunday at The Quarry. Forsman had an incredible 2009 season on the Champions Tour with a total of 21 top-25 finishes on Tour. He placed T25 at last month's Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalalai.
What are your favorite programs on TV... American Idol, 60 Minutes, Bill O'Reilly
What was your favorite team as a kid and did you have a favorite player? The San Francisco Giants and Willie Mays
I'd most like to sit down for a discussion with and why... My father who will give me love, support and truth.
My most memorable shot was at... No. 7 at Pebble Beach where I had a hole-in-one.
Champions Tour newcomer Tommy Armour III, sat down with Tournament officials about his expectations for this week's ACE Group Classic and his future career on the Champions Tour.
"Seems like everybody's enjoying what they're doing," explained Armour when asked about his expectations on the Champions Tour. "That's the feeling that I get from all the players... I'll come enjoy it with them."
"I'm coming out here and I feel competitive and I'm going to see how competitive I am," said Armour.
Read the full transcript > here
"Well, I played the Tour for 28 years, which I think when I first started that would have been something I would have never considered. There was no such thing as a Champions Tour or Senior Tour. There was no cell phones, no cable TV, you know, so it's a different world. I'm glad that I've made it, I'm looking forward to playing. It's a different mind set, though, I have to say. It's different coming out here, the feeling that I have the last couple days, seeing everybody and coming to a new arena, a new venue, so to speak. But it's like, I don't know, I just am excited about it. I'm happy to be here. We'll see, if I play decent, how much I play."
Read the full transcript > here
