Seventh Kodak Challenge Hole is #16 at PGA National Champion Course
ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 2 – The Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players and fans, makes its debut on the east coast at The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. An Advisory Board of leading golf experts and influentials selected Hole #16 at The Champion Course at PGA National Resort and Spa as the seventh hole in the Kodak Challenge. It is considered the most challenging par-4 among PGA National’s 90 holes.
“We are excited to be part of the Kodak Challenge and thrilled that Hole #16 at PGA National Champion Course, site of The Honda Classic, was selected as one of the most beautiful and memorable on the PGA TOUR,” said Tournament Director Ed McEnroe. “This is a very challenging hole, and one that has provided many memorable moments over the years. We look forward to creating more memories this year with the Kodak Challenge and we think golf fans will be intrigued by this new competition.”
The Kodak Challenge celebrates beautiful holes and memorable moments on the PGA TOUR and challenges players to perform their best on Kodak Challenge holes, with the winner taking home $1 million and the Kodak Challenge trophy. Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, the 16th hole at PGA National Champion Course is a 434 yard par-4 with a dogleg right around a body of water, bordered by a bunker. Off the tee, the fairway slopes toward the water on the right, however, it’s no easier if a pro plays it safe by staying left. Last year, the hole recorded zero eagles, 45 birdies, 294 pars, 77 bogeys and 21 double bogeys. The full schedule of Kodak Challenge holes is at kodakchallenge.com.
“The Kodak Challenge is a unique and compelling competition for players and fans and reflects both the heritage of our brand and the continued innovation of the New Kodak,” said Jeffrey W. Hayzlett, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “Hole #16 at PGA National Champion Course is one of golf’s great holes. It’s extremely difficult, but also extremely beautiful. With thrilling play on the first six Kodak Challenge holes, it’s been exciting to watch the leaderboard change each week. We look forward to even more excitement at The Honda Classic as players compete for the one million dollars.”
After last week’s Northern Trust Open, Dustin Johnson, D.J. Trahan, Dean Wilson, J.B. Holmes, Mark Calcavecchia, Chris DiMarco and Cameron Beckman are tied for the lead in the Kodak Challenge at 4-under-par.
Current Kodak Challenge Leaderboard (Year-to-date)
Name Score Holes
Dustin Johnson -4 6
D.J. Trahan -4 5
Dean Wilson -4 5
J.B. Holmes -4 5
Mark Calcavecchia -4 4
Chris DiMarco -4 4
Cameron Beckman -4 4
In 2009, 30 PGA TOUR tournaments feature a designated Kodak Challenge hole. Players must play at least 18 of the 30 Kodak Challenge holes throughout the season to compete for $1 million and the Kodak Challenge trophy. A player’s lowest score relative to par on his best 18 Kodak Challenge holes will be counted. The player with the lowest cumulative score relative to par wins. In the case of a tie, a sudden death playoff will take place on the final Kodak Challenge hole immediately following the conclusion of the Children’s Miracle Network Classic in November.
“Kodak and the PGA TOUR have worked closely together to develop this exciting new competition that will generate a lot of interest, particularly as it culminates during the Fall Series,” said Tom Wade, Chief Marketing Officer, PGA TOUR. “The Kodak Challenge effectively combines the beauty and the memorable moments found regularly on the PGA TOUR with Kodak’s famous brand and image.”
The Kodak Challenge holes were selected by the Kodak Challenge Advisory Board in collaboration with Kodak and the PGA TOUR. Advisory Board members are David Feherty, CBS Sports golf analyst; Rees Jones, golf course architect; Jules Alexander, golf photographer; Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR Senior VP, Tournament Administration; and Lance Barrow, CBS Sports golf, Coordinating Producer. Holes were selected based on their beauty and connection to memorable moments in golf.
Kodak is the Official Imaging Provider of the PGA TOUR and an Official Marketing Partner of the PGA TOUR. For more on the Kodak Challenge visit kodakchallenge.com and pgatour.com/kodakchallenge. Fans can also follow the Kodak Challenge atfacebook.com/kodakchallenge, twitter.com/kodakchallenge, and 1000words.kodak.com/kodakchallenge.
About Kodak
As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.
To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.
More than 70 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at KODAK Gallery – join for free today at
www.kodakgallery.com.
About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game.
In 2009, the three Tours compete in 102 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states.
In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR’s web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered inPonte Vedra Beach, FL.
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Editor’s note: See the Kodak Challenge Multimedia Release at http://www.kodak.com/go/challengemmr.
Contact:
Krista Gleason, Kodak 585-724-5952
Chris Smith, PGA TOUR 904-273-3379 csmith@pgatourhq.com
Jon Connor, Ketchum 646-935-4391
