[Click Here for a Printable Version]

Naples, FL – Loren Roberts won his second career ACE Group Classic title with a birdie on the final hole to beat Gene Jones. Jones narrowly missed a birdie chance of his own on the final hole that would have sent the tournament into a sudden-death playoff. Roberts (70-71-68 = 209) made birdies on holes 15, 16 and 18 during his tremendous run down the final stretch.

“I felt like I went out and won this thing the last four holes,” said Roberts. “This is a resurrection for me, playing the Champions Tour. I love playing out here. I love playing with these guys. I feel like I’m really competitive and I’m really enjoying myself.”

The final group reached the 18th hole with standing room only crowds and galleries lining the entire length of the par-five hole. Hundreds of fans marched behind the leaders as they walked down the fairway.

Known as the “Boss of the Moss” for his superb putting game, Roberts struggled with the new TPC Treviso Bay course for the first two days, with an uncharacteristic four three-putts over the course of the tournament. However, he found his groove down the stretch with solid putting and even better ball striking. Roberts has recorded 12 consecutive sub-par scores at this event. He earned a check for $240,000 and also picked up 240 Charles Schwab Cup points.

The victory was Roberts’ ninth career win on the Champions Tour and he joined Lee Trevino (1990-91), Mike Hill (1993-94), Hale Irwin (1997,2002) and Gil Morgan (1998, 2001) as two-time winners at this event. Roberts also became the third player to win two events in Naples at different venues. Both Irwin and Morgan also claimed their titles on different courses in Southwest Florida.

TPC Treviso Bay proved to be a stern challenge for the Champions Tour pros. The tournament scoring average was 73.648. However, scores during the final round were lower as the players became more acclimated with the course and winds calmed down. The final round scoring average was 72.419. Bob Gilder set the TPC Treviso Bay course-record with a nine-under 63 and tied the lowest final round score in course history. 

Gene Jones’ runner-up effort this week in Naples matched his best career finish on the Champions Tour.