J.B. Holmes, Chris DiMarco, Kevin Sutherland and D.J. Trahan are co-leaders heading into ninth hole of the Kodak Challenge
ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 23 – This week Kodak is giving fans the opportunity to participate in a new on-site activity at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (API) by presented MasterCard. The Kodak Fan Photo Zone, an interactive display for fans to experience Kodak’s cutting edge digital technology, will be on-site near the 18th tee from Wednesday through Sunday. At the Kodak Fan Photo Zone, consumers can create their own memories of the beautiful 18th hole by having their picture taken in front of a green screen with this week’s Kodak Challenge hole. The backdrop image, provided by former LPGA player and noted golf photographer, Joann Dost, allows fans to have a memorable picture of themselves at the golf course during tournament play when cameras are not typically allowed. The photos will be printed on-site with Kodak printers, providing a keepsake right at the hole. In addition, fans can take advantage of this hands-on booth to learn about Kodak’s latest products and how they can even be used for their golf game – on and off the course. Stay tuned for more ways fans can get involved in the Kodak Challenge.
The Kodak Challenge hole this week is the 18th hole at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, FL. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this finishing hole looks deceivingly simple on paper. At 441 yards, this par 4 is straight away to a wide fairway, but that’s where the simplicity ends. The large, kidney-shaped green is fronted by rocks and water, requiring a longer carry to the right half. The bunkers left of the green await errant shots of the hydrophobic. In 2008, there were zero eagles, 44 birdies, 253 pars, 50 bogeys and 19 double bogeys. The full schedule of Kodak Challenge holes is available at kodakchallenge.com.
After eight Kodak Challenge holes Kevin Sutherland, J.B. Holmes, D.J. Trahan, and Chris DiMarco are tied for the lead at 5-under-par.
Current Kodak Challenge Leaderboard (Year-to-date)
Name Score Holes
Kevin Sutherland -5 6
J.B. Holmes -5 6
D.J. Trahan -5 6
Chris DiMarco -5 5
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.
“We are happy to be associated with Mr. Palmer’s tournament and have the finishing hole at such a prestigious event be part of the Kodak Challenge,” said Jeffrey W. Hayzlett, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “We are thrilled to introduce opportunities like the Kodak Fan Photo Zone, which will allow our fans to become more involved with what the Kodak Challenge is all about – beautiful holes and memorable moments. We look forward to kicking off this exciting program at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.”
“We are honored to be part of the Kodak Challenge and thrilled that Hole #18 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, site of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, was selected as one of the most beautiful and memorable on the PGA TOUR,” said Tournament Director Scott Wellington. “This is the perfect hole for the Kodak Challenge, and one that has provided many memorable moments over the years.”
The excitement of the Kodak Challenge continues with three tournaments in April including the 18th hole at Shell Houston Open, the 18th hole at Verizon Heritage and the 17th hole at Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
“Kodak and the PGA TOUR have worked closely together to develop this exciting new competition that is generating a lot of interest,” 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 an Official Marketing Partner of the PGA TOUR and is also the Official Imaging Provider, Official Camera, Official Printer and Official Scanner of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour. For more on the Kodak Challenge visit kodakchallenge.com and pgatour.com/kodakchallenge. Fans can also follow the Kodak Challenge at facebook.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 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
Contact:
Jonathan Connor, Ketchum 646-935-4391
Chris Smith, PGA TOUR 904-273-3379 csmith@pgatourhq.com