Chris DiMarco is new Kodak Challenge leader as 16th hole proves memorable; Fans enjoy Kodak Fan Photo Zone at Pepsi Pavilion
May 17, 2009 – This week’s Kodak Challenge hole created quite a shuffle throughout the current leaderboard. On Thursday, Justin Leonard birdied the 16th hole and ended his day tied for first for the tournament and the Kodak Challenge. On Friday, Nicholas Thompson, who failed to make the cut, managed to move into a four-way tie for first place with his birdie on Friday. Even though Thompson did not make the cut, his birdie on the Kodak Challenge hole still counts toward his overall score. On Saturday, current Kodak Challenge leader Chris DiMarco had enough with being tied for the lead and created separation with a birdie of his own – moving into sole possession of the Kodak Challenge lead at 7-under-par. Zach Johnson, the 2009 Valero Texas Open winner, also enjoyed the Kodak Challenge hole on Saturday as it was one of his eight birdies en route to matching the The Resort Course at La Cantera course record with a 60. Johnson is currently tied for third place in the Kodak Challenge at 5-under-par. The Kodak Challenge will continue in two weeks on Hole 13 at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
Current Kodak Challenge Leaderboard (Year-to-date)
Name Score Holes
Chris DiMarco -7 9
Nicholas Thompson -6 11
Justin Leonard -6 9
Will MacKenzie -6 8
Steve Lowery -6 8
Chad Campbell -6 7
Zach Johnson, Ernie Els, Brendon de Jonge, Charley Hoffman, Dustin Johnson, Nathan Green, Scott Verplank, Jason Gore, Tim Herron, J.B. Holmes, Michael Letzig, D.J. Trahan, John Merrick, Kevin Streelman, Ryuji Imada, Kevin Sutherland, Bo Van Pelt and Stephen Ames are all just two strokes off the lead at 5-under-par.
What’s New For Fans
Also this week, Kodak gave 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, was located in the Pepsi Pavilion for fans to experience throughout the weekend. At the Kodak Fan Photo Zone, fans were able to 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 could 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.
About the Kodak Challenge Hole: #16
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).
Contact:
Jonathan Connor,