Fans can also create their own memories at the Kodak Fan Photo Zone
ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 11 – The Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players and fans, will visit the 16th hole at The Resort Course at La Cantera in San Antonio, TX during the Valero Texas Open. An Advisory Board of leading golf experts and influentials selected Hole #16 as the thirteenth 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.
Also this week, Kodak is giving fans the opportunity to participate in a new on-site activity at the Valero Texas Open. The Kodak Fan Photo Zone, an interactive display for fans to experience Kodak’s cutting edge digital technology, will be located in the Pepsi Pavilion from Wednesday through Sunday. At the Kodak Fan Photo Zone, consumers can create their own memories of the beautiful 16th 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. 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.
“We are excited to be part of the Kodak Challenge and thrilled that Hole #16 at The Resort Course at La Cantera, site of the Valero Texas Open, was selected as one of the most beautiful and memorable holes on the PGA TOUR,” said Tournament Director Craig Smith. “This is a unique hole that persuades some players to go for the green while requiring others to rely on a perfect approach shot. This has certainly provided some great play over the years and we look forward to having fans follow the excitement of the Kodak Challenge throughout the weekend.”
The playing strategy on this drivable par 4 heavily depends on the day’s flagstick placement. A three quarter-acre fairway bunker dominates the left side of the fairway and the player has the option of trying to drive the green or laying it up over the single pot bunker in the center of the fairway. The lay-up shot will leave the player a short approach to the largest, most heavily contoured green on the La Cantera layout. Tiger Woods drove the green in 1996, but three-putted for par. Only 89 of 326 attempts to hit the 16th green from the tee at the Valero Texas Open since 2003 have been successful (27.3% success rate)
“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 The Resort Course at La Cantera is a hole that could easily shake up the Kodak Challenge leaderboard – especially if we see more players driving to drive the green. We look forward to being a part of such a great tournament and following the players at the Valero Texas Open as they continue to compete for the one million dollars.”
Current Kodak Challenge Leaderboard (Year-to-date)
Name Score Holes
Steve Lowery -6 8
Will MacKenzie -6 8
Chris DiMarco -6 8
Brendon de Jonge, Nicholas Thompson, J.B. Holmes, Michael Letzig, Justin Leonard, D.J. Trahan, John Merrick, Kevin Streelman, Ryuji Imada, Kevin Sutherland, Ernie Els, Bo Van Pelt and Chad Campbell are all just one stroke off the lead 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.
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