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ACE Group Classic back in mid-February spot on Champions slate

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Following a one-year switch, mid-February will once again be the place for The ACE in 2008.

After switching dates with the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am in Tampa this year, Southwest Florida's Champions Tour event will be played the week of Feb. 11-17.

The initial switch was to allow the Outback to work out a television contract with NBC. But after bad weather this year, the Outback has decided to move to April 14-20.

That paves the way for The ACE, which will be played for the second straight year at Quail West Golf & Country Club straddling the border of Lee and Collier counties, to move right behind Boca Raton's Allianz Championship.

"We are very excited to return to our usual slot on the Champions Tour schedule," said tournament director Jason Camp in a press release. "With Valentine's Day and President's Day festivities going on, the tournament will add to the week's events."

The Outback announced its move to April on March 14.

"April is a perfect time for us," tournament director Amy Hawk said. "Not only are the days longer, which helps with the time required for our pro-am format, but we typically have our maximum 'golf' weather in April. The crowds should respond even more passionately to these changes."

That does break up a three- event Florida swing, however, and could open the possibility for a third Champions Tour event in February in the state.

A couple of years ago, Champions Tour officials did look at The Concession, a new Jack Nicklaus/Tony Jacklin course in Sarasota. There also is the TPC at Prestancia, which previously hosted Champions Tour events.

And Key Biscayne played host to Champions Tour events for years before title sponsor Royal Caribbean left a few years ago.

The ACE's 20th anniversary tournament at new host venue Quail West was a record success.

The tournament shattered previous attendance records with over 108,000 attendees.

Bobby Wadkins made birdie on the final hole to win the title by one stroke over Allen Doyle.

Wadkins shot a final- round 68 and overcame a two-stroke deficit with three holes to play. The victory was Wadkins' fourth Champions Tour title of his career.

The ACE Group Classic has supported various educational organizations since 1988, most recently The ACE INA Foundation and the Education Foundation of Collier County. The ACE Group of Companies has been the title sponsor since 1999.

Other notable past champions include: Craig Stadler (2004), Hale Irwin (1997 & 2002), Lee Trevino (1990 & 1991) and inaugural winner Gary Player (1988).

Additional tournament information can be found at www.acegroupclassic.com.

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