Steve Lowery and Chris DiMarco share Kodak Challenge lead at 6-under-par
ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 20 – The Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players and fans, will visit the 17th hole at TPIC Louisiana in Avondale, LA during the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. An Advisory Board of leading golf experts and influentials selected Hole #17 as the twelfth 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 #17 at TPC Louisiana, site of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, was selected as one of the most beautiful and memorable holes on the PGA TOUR,” said Tournament Director Tommy Fonseca. “This is a unique hole that has proved very challenging for the players. It has also provided some great play over the years and we look forward to having fans follow the excitement of the Kodak Challenge throughout the weekend here at TPC Louisiana.”
Designed by Pete Dye, the 215-yard 17th hole of TPC Louisiana is a very long par 3. Bunkers to the left were eliminated in 2005 and replaced by bulkheading, but the pot bunker on the right and the newly reshaped green will be problematic for the players. In three tournaments at TPC Louisiana, there have been a few dramatic aces on the 17th hole. In the Zurich Classic of New Orleans’ 2005 debut at TPC Louisiana, Darron Stiles used a 7-iron to ace the hole in the third round. It was the first hole-in-one at TPC Louisiana during the tournament. In 2007, Daniel Chopra used a 5-iron in the final round for an ace, making the 17th the only par 3 with multiple aces during the tournament.
“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 #17 at TPC Louisiana is one of golf’s great holes and it could prove to be a pivotal hole for players climbing up the Kodak Challenge leaderboard. We look forward to being a part of such a great tournament and following the players at TPC Louisiana as they continue to compete for the one million dollars.”
Current Kodak Challenge Leaderboard (Year-to-date)
Name Score Holes
Steve Lowery -6 8
Chris DiMarco -6 7
Nicholas Thompson, D.J. Trahan, J.B. Holmes, Justin Leonard, Michael Letzig, Will MacKenize, Kevin Streelman, Ryuji Imada, Kevin Sutherland, Ernie Els, Chad Campbell, and Bo Van Pelt are all just one stroke off the leaderboard at 5-under-par.
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 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.
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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.
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