Hole #18 at Redstone GC Tournament Course is tenth Kodak Challenge hole
ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 31 – This week Kodak continues to offer fans a unique way to participate in the Kodak Challenge. Fans can visit the Houston Chronicle online at www.chron.com for an opportunity to guess how many balls will be hit in the water on the 18th hole during the Shell Houston Open. The winner of the KODAK “Make A Splash” Sweepstakes will receive a free KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera.
A challenging and dramatic finishing hole, the 18th hole at Redstone was designed by Kodak Challenge Advisory Board member Rees Jones and is one of the 30 Kodak Challenge holes this season. With a lake bordering the entire left side of the hole, the tee shot challenges the golfer to carry as much water as possible, while also avoiding the large sculptured bunker along the left of the fairway landing area. The approach leaves little margin for error, with water on the left and a sand bunker on the right. With the tournament on the line, attacking the left-back hole location is a gutsy proposition. Over the past three years, 153 balls have been hit into the water – an average of 51 per tournament.
After nine Kodak Challenge holes Ryuji Imada, D.J. Trahan, Steve Lowery, J.B. Holmes, Will MacKenzie, Chris DiMarco and Kevin Sutherland are tied for the lead at 5-under-par.
Current Kodak Challenge Leaderboard (Year-to-date)
Name Score Holes
Ryuji Imada -5 7
D.J. Trahan -5 7
Steve Lowery -5 7
J.B. Holmes -5 7
Will MacKenzie -5 6
Chris DiMarco -5 6
Kevin Sutherland -5 6
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 continue engaging fans with this online contest competition for the Shell Houston Open,” said Jeffrey W. Hayzlett, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “Last week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, we saw great golf as Tiger won with a putt on the Kodak Challenge hole. We also offered fans the unique opportunity to interact with Kodak and our products onsite with the Kodak Fan Photo Zone. These type of programs allow our fans to celebrate what the Kodak Challenge is all about – beautiful holes and memorable moments.”
“We are honored to be part of the Kodak Challenge and thrilled that Hole #18 at Redstone GC Tournament Course, site of the Shell Houston Open, was selected as one of the most beautiful and memorable on the PGA TOUR,” said Steve Timms, President/CEO, Houston Golf Association. “This is a great hole for the Kodak Challenge, and one that has provided many memorable moments over the years.”
The excitement of the Kodak Challenge continues with two more tournaments in April including 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
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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
Courtney Leddy, Ketchum 646-935-3984