The ACE Group Classic

Naples, FL - Tournament officials for The ACE Group Classic have announced that Bonita Springs resident and PGA TOUR veteran Peter Jacobsen will host the 2009 tournament, which officially becomes The ACE Group Classic hosted by Peter Jacobsen. In addition, the tournament will move to newly-created TPC Treviso Bay on Tamiami Trail in East Naples, Florida. The Champions Tour event will celebrate its 22nd year in Southwest Florida from February 16 - 22, 2009.

"I am extremely excited to host the upcoming ACE Group Classic," said Jacobsen. "This event is widely regarded as one of the premier events on the Champions Tour. I plan on being an active part of the growth and impact of this event on our great community. The ACE Group Classic has always been a favorite of the players for three reasons - the title sponsor, the ACE Group, with their focus on hosting a first-class event serving players, spectators, and local charities; one of the Champions Tours top-notch volunteer groups, boasting nearly 1,000 volunteers; and of course, the tremendous support of the Southwest Florida golf fans who annually push the 100,000 mark in attendance for the week. I also think everyone from the players to the fans will be really excited to see our new host venue, TPC Treviso Bay."

"We're pleased to have this association with Peter Jacobsen and the TPC," said Richard Tallo, ACE Group senior vice president of marketing and communications. "Peter's ties to the Southwest Florida region made this a natural fit for him, and it allows us to continue to build on the fantastic community support that has been a staple of The ACE Group Classic."

As part of Jacobsen's commitment, he will be an active recruiter for The ACE Group Classic and ensure that the event continues to draw an elite field. Jacobsen will also serve as a guest on-air personality for The Golf Channel broadcasts following the conclusion of his round each day. Additionally, Jacobsen's business and on-course successes will enhance the overall atmosphere of the event, and he will be a dynamic asset in assisting with local and national promotions through his name and his company, Peter Jacobsen Sports.

The Tournament will feature a new logo incorporating a "hosted by Peter Jacobsen" tag.

Jacobsen is recognized as one of golf's greatest ambassadors. He won seven times on the PGA TOUR and two major championships on the Champions Tour. He joined an exclusive club with Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win two majors to start their over 50 career. Among his many accomplishments, Jacobsen has hosted his own shows on The Golf Channel, Peter Jacobsen Plugged In and Peter and Friends.

The new host venue for the ACE Group Classic, TPC Treviso Bay, will not be open for member play until December 1, 2008, but the area is already abuzz about Southwest Florida's only PGA TOUR facility.

"The opening of our spectacular Arthur Hills/Hal Sutton-designed golf course at TPC Treviso Bay is a significant milestone for our family and a testament to our great partnership with our friends at the PGA TOUR," said Sanjay Kuttemperoor, president of V.K. Development Corporation. "We can't think of a better way to showcase the golf course and the Treviso Bay development to the Southwest Florida community than to host the ACE Group Classic. Hosting this outstanding event on the heels of our opening not only speaks to the enormous potential of the course, but also to our commitment to support charitable programs in Collier County through the ACE Group Classic. We look forward to working with Peter Jacobsen, the ACE Group, the PGA TOUR, the Northside Naples Kiwanis Foundation and Octagon to make this tournament one of the premier events on the Champions Tour, as well as positively impact the lives of thousands of children and families in the local community."

"We're delighted Peter Jacobsen will now be hosting The ACE Group Classic and that the tournament is moving to the new TPC Treviso Bay," said Mike Stevens President of the Champions Tour. "The ACE Group Classic is one of the hallmarks of the Champions Tour's Florida Swing. We expect the venue, co-designed by Champions Tour player Hal Sutton, will be one of the top golf courses we play all year."

"The ACE Group Classic is thrilled to be associated with TPC Treviso Bay," said Tournament Director Jason Camp. "Throughout our history, we have showcased many of the top courses in Southwest Florida, most-recently Quail West for two record-setting years. The first-class amenities and Tour-quality course conditions make this club second to none. The move will offer many fans their first glimpse at TPC Treviso Bay this February 16 - 22."

Octagon, the tournament managers of The ACE Group Classic for the past 12 years, will continue in a similar role, in partnership with Peter Jacobsen Sports.