Naples, FL – Scott Hoch made birdie on the first hole of a four-way sudden death playoff to win the 2008 ACE Group Classic.  Hoch (68 – 66 – 68 = 202) outlasted Tom Kite, Tom Jenkins and Brad Bryant to claim his second consecutive Champions Tour victory. “I feel fortunate to win with that group,” said Hoch of outlasting longer hitters in the playoff.  “It was the wedge game that made the difference.”
 
Hoch, a resident of Quail West, shot a final round four-under-par 68 and needed a birdie on the final hole of regulation to earn his way into overtime with Kite, Jenkins and Bryant.  Sunday’s playoff was the third in Tournament history and the first since 2004 when Craig Stadler defeated Tom Watson and Gary Koch. 

Hoch narrowly missed birdies on the 16th and 17th holes, but then almost holed his approach shot to the 18th for eagle and the win.  He settled for birdie and a playoff, where he again hit a solid third shot onto the par-5 18th green, and again made an eight-footer, this time for the win.  Kite and Jenkins both missed the green in regulation, but nearly holed their chip shots for birdie.  Bryant missed his 10-foot attempt on the low side, and it was left up to Hoch to capitalize on the opportunity. 

The 18th hole was lined with huge galleries as fans awaited the conclusion to the Tournament.  For the second consecutive year attendance broke 100,000 for the Tournament week.  The golfers took notice of the outstanding galleries throughout the weekend, with runner-up Tom Jenkins quick to point out in his post-Tournament interview.
 
“I thought the Tournament ended up being a wonderful event this week,” said Jenkins.  “The people of Southwest Florida, I thought there was a great turnout.  We don't have many finishes like that, the stands and the people.  It was great.  It was almost like a regular Tour event feeling.”
 
Hoch’s victory was his second in succession after winning last week’s Allianz Championship and his third career victory on the Champions Tour.  Hoch picked up 240 points in the season-long Charles
Schwab Cup race, while also earning a $240,000 payday for his efforts.   

The ACE Group Classic has become an area tradition and a celebration of community involvement for the past 21 years.  The ACE Group Classic has supported various educational organizations since 1988 and continues to do so in 2008 with partnerships with the Northside Naples Kiwanis Foundation, Education Foundation of Collier County and The First Tee of Naples/Collier.  The ACE Group of Companies has been the title sponsor since 1999.  Former champions include: Bobby Wadkins (2007), Loren Roberts (2006), Hale Irwin (1997 & 2002), Lee Trevino (1990 & 1991) and inaugural winner Gary Player (1988).