“The ACE Group Classic is very grateful to Hal for his work in designing the beautiful layout at TPC Treviso Bay. His experience and accomplishments give TPC Treviso Bay instant credibility,” said Tournament Director Jason Camp. “We are happy that he will be competing in the first tournament that it hosts and it will be interesting to watch how he attacks the course compared to others.”

Sutton turned 50 in late April 2008 but did not make his Champions Tour debut until mid-October of last year. He only played in two events in 2008 and, therefore, is a rookie in 2009.

Sutton is a 14-time PGA TOUR winner over a career that spanned from 1982-2006. As recent as 2000, Sutton has clashed with the best and came out on top. At the 2000 PLAYERS Championship, Sutton went head-to-head with Tiger Woods and came away with a one-stroke, wire-to-wire victory. The victory came 17 years after his first PLAYERS win in 1983. Sutton also won his only PGA TOUR major in 1983, the PGA Championship.

“Hal has been an invaluable resource in building TPC Treviso Bay, serving as a PGA TOUR player consultant from conception all the way through the final grow-in stages,” said V.K. Development President Sanjay Kuttemperoor. “His experience playing many of the world's best golf courses contributed to the creation of an inspired layout that is sure to challenge the best players in the world during The ACE Group Classic.”

Sutton joins greats like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Greg Norman and Hale Irwin as players that have lent their knowledge and expertise to the design of TPC Network courses.

In 2007, Sutton received the Payne Stewart Award. He won it for his charitable efforts which include the establishment of the Christus Schumpert Sutton Children's Hospital in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana.