Quarry to shine for Ace Group
By RYAN RYLES, Special to the BreezeNAPLES - There are very few events in Southwest Florida that create the fanfare that the Ace Group Classic Champions Tour event does every year.
Golf fans and afficionados the region over make the trek to watch their favorite senior golfers play in what for many is their only chance to get up close and personal.
Like the economy, the Ace Group Classic has had its share of relative instability over the last couple of years, being hosted by three courses from as far north as Quail West in Bonita Springs to last year's stop at Treviso Bay in East Naples.
This year the tournament has a new home at The Quarry in North Naples.
"We had looked at the Quarry in the past," said tournament director Jason Camp. "I think it's a great facility, a great clubhouse with a great staff. It was always (here) for us when it looked like it was in the best interest of the tournament to move after last year's event When we had to look for a different home, (The Quarry) was our first choice."
Hosting the tournament is a big achievement for The Quarry, which opened for play in 2007.
"It means instant credibility for the course, that the (Champions) Tour finds this an acceptable course to play," said Quarry head professional Matt Russell. "It's credibility that lasts forever."
Measuring more than 7,300 yards, the course will play between 6,800 and 7,000 yards this week for the pros who will tee it up Thursday through Sunday.
With the exception of holes 4-6 and 16-18, all holes surround a 400-acre main lake of The Quarry Development. Water plays on every hole, but shouldn't be much of an issue.
The signature hole is No. 15, a 185-yard par-3 that carries over a lake to a well-bunkered green both in front and back.
Only minor changes had to be made to get The Quarry ready for the pros.
"We changed all the sand in the bunkers for consistency, and planted a few trees on certain holes, like No. 4, to help the players identify where some of the water cuts into the fairways," said Russell.
The Quarry should show equally well for fans watching at home or in person.
Unlike past courses that the Ace Group Classic has been played at, on-site parking won't be an issue, and is available within walking distance of the clubhouse and the first tee.
The 400-acre lake at the center of the development provides a picturesque backdrop for all. Despite there being as long as a quarter-mile hike between some holes, shuttle services will be available for both players and the public.
"I think the course and tournament will show well, especially for the public," says Russell. "You have excellent spots to sit and watch that are close to the clubhouse, close to beverage stands, and close to the driving range. So if you're a person who doesn't want to walk much you have a lot of options right where everything is at."
Tickets for the event are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate.
For more information on the Ace Group Classic, or to purchase tickets, visit online: www.theacegroupclassic.com or call (239) 593-3900.
