Streelman clinches 2009 Kodak Challenge with birdie
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Kevin Streelman captured the inaugural Kodak Challenge on Friday with a birdie on the designated 17th hole at the Children's Miracle Network Classic.
Streelman had entered the tournament at Disney's Magnolia Course with a two-stroke lead over Bo Van Pelt. His birdie on the 485-yard par 4 clinched the win and secured the $1 million Kodak Challenge prize.
"I would like to thank Kodak for coming up with this great idea,"Streelman said. "The Kodak Challenge was the talk of the Fall Series and the talk of the locker room. I've had a lot of fun with it and I feel blessed to be a part of it."
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The first-of-its-kind Kodak Challenge celebrated the beautiful holes and memorable moments on the PGA TOUR and challenged players to perform their best on 30 designated Kodak Challenge holes throughout the 2009 PGA TOUR season. To be eligible to win the $1 million Kodak Challenge prize, PGA TOUR pros had to have played at least 18 of the 30 designated Kodak Challenge holes.
The 17th hole at Disney's Magnolia's Course was Streelman's 20th Kodak Challenge hole this year. The second year pro from Scottsdale, Ariz., posted a 17-under-par score to earn the winner-take-all $1 million Kodak Challenge prize.
"We very pleased with the tremendous success of the Kodak Challenge in just its first year," said Steven Powell, director of the Kodak Challenge. "I don't think we could ask for a better ambassador than Kevin Streelman as our very first champion. We're excited for Kevin and very happy to have him associated with Kodak.
"The Kodak Challenge is a unique and compelling competition for players and fans and reflects the continued innovation of the new Kodak. The success of the Kodak Challenge in just its first year is due to the hard work of many people; from our own Kodak team members, to great partners like the PGA TOUR and our friends here at Disney and the Children's Miracle Network Classic."
"From players to fans to media, the interest in the Kodak Challenge has made the program a tremendous success in year one," said Tom Wade, PGA TOUR executive vice-president and chief marketing officer. "The PGA TOUR is delighted with its partnership with Kodak and we look for continued growth of the Kodak Challenge in the future."
Powell said Kodak and PGA TOUR officials are currently finalizing the schedule for the 2010 Kodak Challenge. As was the case last year, the competition will begin at the SBS Championship on the18th hole on the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
"We're also pleased that the 2010 Kodak Challenge will conclude here at Disney again next November," Powell said. "We hope to have the remaining parts of the schedule completed very soon. We can't wait to get the 2010 Kodak Challenge season started."
In addition to the $1 million, Streelman will receive a unique multi-media trophy commissioned by Kodak. Designed and fabricated by Tiffany & Co., the award integrates Kodak digital imaging technology with a modern trophy display to create a one-of-a-kind showcase for the Kodak Challenge and Kodak technology.
KEVIN STREELMAN'S SHOT TRACKER ON THE 17th
Here's his stroke trail on the winning hole. For more of Kevin Streelman on ShotTracker, click here.
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