The ACE Group Classic annually attracts the strongest field
of competitors and the last three years has attracted 30 of
the top 31 money winners from the prior year. Golf greats
like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez,
Raymond Floyd, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite and Tom Watson have competed
in the Ace Group Classic.
The tournament was founded in 1988 as the Aetna Challenge
and has been played at The Club at TwinEagles for the past
18 years. The Ace Group is the main sponsor of the tournament.Loren
Roberts is the defending champion.
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Hole 1
Par 5 542 Yards
A great starting hole en route to a wonderful 18 holes
of golf! Players will try and avoid the strategically
placed bunkers in the fairway. The longer hitters will
go for the green in two. A birdie is in the cards if you
miss the bunkers. The green slopes dramatically from back
to front so the best position is below the hole. |
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Hole 2 Par 3 193 Yards
Players will take an extra half club to avoid the front
bunker. The green isn't very deep - a high fade to the
middle of the green is the best play.
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Hole 3 Par 4 407 Yards
A wolf in sheep's clothing; this hole can wreak havoc
if not accurate off the tee. The players second shot
is a littte uphill, best to avoid the left side.
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Hole 4 Par 4
424 Yards
Bunkers and mounding off the tee will get the players
attention. This hole has a tendency to play long, especially
if the trade winds are in your face. If the pin is front,
don't be long, it's a sure three-putt!
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Hole 5 Par 4 417 Yards
Longer hitters will be forced to lay up on the tee shot,
as there is a lake looming in the middle of the fairway.
Best play is to favor the left side of the green for
the approach.
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Hole 6 Par 4 372 Yards
Those daring to chew off the dog leg will be rewarded
with a short iron second shot. The green has some tricky
breaks so players have to take an extra look.
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Hole 7 Par 3 182 Yards
Players will find putting on this par 3 most challenging,
as the green has three separate quadrants. Those who
hit their mark will have a nice birdie chance; those
who stray too far from the pin will have a challenging
two putt.
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Hole 8 Par 4 424 Yards
Players will be forced to carve their ball from left
to right off the tee. This dog-leg right demands accuracy
and length off the tee. The approach shot is to the
largest green on the course. Players will have at least
a three club differential during the Classic, depending
on the day's pin locations.
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Hole 9 Par 5 568 Yards
Players who can bomb it down right-center of the fairway
will have the best chance of going for this par 5 in
two. Avoiding the bunkers down the right side on the
second shot is a must. The approach to this well guarded
green is enhanced by the 70,000 square foot clubhouse
in the background. Putting on this green will get your
pulse racing as everything slopes toward the water.
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Hole 10 Par 5 401 Yards
Staying focused off the tee is key, as there are many
distractions that will tighten your grip on this medium
size par 4. The fairway is widest down the left-center.
The large "Death Trap" bunker in front of
the green demands a high spinning shot to get it tight.
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Hole 11 Par 4 407 Yards
Another demanding tee shot! A power fade from the tee
opens the hole up a bit. Players must avoid the bunkers
on the right. If the pin is back; beware of the lake
behind the green. Two putts are no guarantee on this
tricky green.
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Hole 12 Par 3 177 Yards
A well protected green will make the players sharpen
up their irons. Water in front and to the left of the
green makes the tee shot intimidating. The safe play
is right-center. Another roller-coaster putting surface
awaits.
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Hole 13 Par 5 527 Yards
"Grip it and Rip it special." A big fairway
awaits the tee shot. Longer hitters will go for the
green in two. Proper placement of the second shot is
the key to the hole, as there are two big bunkers in
front of the green to catch lots of stray shots. Great
birdie opportunity.
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Hole 14 Par 4 411 Yards
Players are sure to find this par 4 all they can handle.
The tee shot and approach are both protected by a large
bunker on the left and a lake to the right. Best placement
is right-center off the tee. One of the favorite approach
shots on the course is to this tricky green that slopes
hard to the right towards the drink.
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Hole 15 Par 3 215 Yards
One of the most challenging par 3s in Florida! A misguided
tee shot is almost a certain three-putt on a green that
has two elephants buried underneath it!
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Hole 16 Par 4 443 Yards
This long par 4 is generous off the tee, but accuracy
is imperative for the approach. A boomerang shaped green
will have players working hard to keep second shots
on the putting surface. The back right pin will have
players scratching their heads.
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Hole 17 Par 4 398 Yards
From the tips, this tee shot will get your attention
quick. Add the prevailing wind in your face, not to
mention the water left, and out of bounds right, this
hole is sure to be a key on Sunday! Keep your approach
below the hole.
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Hole 18 Par
5 582 Yards
An exciting finishing hole! A birdie hole if you can smack
two beauties down the gut. Players must avoid the hidden
bunker down the right side on a lay up shot. This green
can cause fits with any misguided approach. Who knows,
a spectacular eagle made here just might win the ACE Group
Classic! |
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