Two Tennis Legends to Host The Colony's Bud Collins Hackers Classic

Longboat Key, FL (October 30, 2007) – To hack or not to hack? That is the question. For the 21^st consecutive year, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique, professionally run tournament for non-professional tennis enthusiasts, and combine it with a relaxing beach vacation. The 21^st Annual Colony Bud Collins Hackers Classic will be held December 3-9, 2007 at The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort on Longboat Key, FL.

For one week only, two tennis legends, ESPN’s & The Tennis Channel’s tennis commentator and writer Bud Collins, and Vic Braden, will come together at one of the nation’s premier destinations for a week of spirited play and off-court festivities. Braden, a famed tennis instructor, author, and television personality will offer his unique expertise on developing creative ways to play better, with excitement and knowledge. Vic’s philosophy is simple, “Players should be laughing their guts out while learning!” Katherine Klauber Moulton, The Colony’s President adds, “We are delighted to have such well-regarded and celebrated figures in the sport participate during this special event. The fun goes up a notch every year, and after all that’s the product; fun along with forehands, friends, festivities and fond memories.”

For seven days and six nights, Hackers participants will enjoy themselves both on and off the courts. Tournament play, complimentary clinics with The Colony Pros, and an exciting Pro-Am exhibition will keep players busy by day. When the sun goes down and rackets are put away, the Hackers will take part in a group dinner on the eclectic Monkey Room Patio, a one-of-a-kind interactive dinner at Longboat Key’s highly acclaimed Pattigeorge’s Restaurant, a formal dinner in the renowned Colony Dining Room, and an awards gala to celebrate the stars that shined on the court.

Package rates start at $1,015 per person, for accommodation a spacious one- or two-bedroom suite and includes, all tournament play and evening functions, breakfast daily, lunch with The Colony tennis professionals, The Colony’s award-winning Sunday brunch, full access to The Colony’s state-of-the-art fitness center, exclusive use of The Colony’s private gulf front beach and more. For further information, or to make your tournament reservation, call 800.4.COLONY or visit www.colonybeachresort.com.

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort was opened in 1969 by Dr. Murray “Murf” Klauber and continues to be family owned and operated by his daughter, Katherine Klauber Moulton, HOTELS magazine’s 2001 Hotelier of the World. Recognized as the #1 Tennis Resort in the U.S. by TENNIS Magazine for eight consecutive years, The Colony offers 208 well-appointed villa suites and 26 specialty accommodations ranging from charming cottages on the beach to stylish penthouses, a full service spa and salon, 21 tennis courts with complimentary court time and game matching, three beachfront restaurants, pro shop and designer boutique. For more information on The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort visit www.colonybeachresort.com or call 1.800.4.COLONY.