Eleventh Kodak Challenge Hole is #18 at Harbour Town Golf Links
ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 13 – The Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players and fans, visits the only PGA TOUR event in South Carolina at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head. An Advisory Board of leading golf experts and influentials selected Hole #18 as the eleventh hole in the Kodak Challenge. 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.
“We are excited to be part of the Kodak Challenge and thrilled that Hole #18 at Harbour Town Golf Links, site of the Verizon Heritage, was selected as one of the most beautiful and memorable on the PGA TOUR,” said Tournament Director Steve Wilmot. “This is certainly the signature hole of a beautiful course and although challenging, it is a one that continues to resonate with the players and fans. 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 famous red-and-white lighthouse has made Harbour Town Golf Links one of the most popular courses in the country. In 2008, the hole was ranked the 2nd easiest fairway to hit on the PGA TOUR, which is directly attributed to the fairway’s width. A successful shot is one aimed toward the cherished landmark and the goal is the wide landing area jutting into Calibogue Sound. The long approach to the flag offers ample bailout to the right where the innocent-looking, but insidious mounding has caused many want-to-be champs to lose a sought-after par. Davis Love III and Scott Verplank have the longest streaks on the PGA TOUR for players who haven’t missed the 18th fairway from the tee.
“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 #18 at Harbour Town Golf Links is one of golf’s great holes. We have had some exciting finishes on Kodak Challenge holes at both the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Shell Houston Open and the leaderboard has been exciting to follow as it continues to change each week. We look forward to even more excitement at the Verizon Heritage as players compete for the one million dollars.”
After ten Kodak Challenge holes, J.B. Holmes, Ryuji Imada, Steve Lowery, D.J. Trahan, Kevin Sutherland, Michael Letzig, Chad Campbell, Chris DiMarco and Will MacKenzie are tied for the lead in the Kodak Challenge at 5-under-par.
Current Kodak Challenge Leaderboard (Year-to-date)
Name Score Holes Name Score Holes
J.B. Holmes -5 8 Michael Letzig -5 6
Ryuji Imada -5 7 Chad Campbell -5 6
Steve Lowery -5 7 Chris DiMarco -5 6
D.J. Trahan -5 7 Will MacKenzie -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.
“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 at facebook.com/kodakchallenge, twitter.com/kodakchallenge, and 1000words.kodak.com/kodakchallenge.
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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.
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Contact:
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Chris Smith, PGA TOUR 904-273-3379 csmith@pgatourhq.com