Final Update: Merritt prevails in three-man playoff for $1 million

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Troy Merritt captured the 2010 Kodak Challenge today in a sudden-death playoff on Kodak Challenge hole No. 17 at the Children's Miracle Network Classic. Merritt defeated Rickie Fowler and Aaron Baddeley in a one-hole playoff at Disney's Magnolia Course in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., to take home the $1 million winner-takes-all Kodak Challenge prize.

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Once the tournament concluded, co-leaders Merritt, Fowler and Baddeley lined up on the Kodak Challenge hole for the sudden death playoff. The lights set up along the hole weren't needed, as Merritt made quick work of the playoff. The rookie from Boise State landed his 133-yard approach to 18 inches. After Fowler and Baddeley each missed long birdie putts, Merritt calmly buried the short putt to secure the Kodak Challenge victory and the winner-takes-all $1 million prize.

Merritt entered the tournament with a one-stroke lead in the Kodak Challenge competition, but later yielded a share of the lead to Baddeley and Fowler, who each birdied the hole this week to move into the first place tie. The Kodak Challenge win capped an exciting day for Merritt, who earlier in the day secured his PGA TOUR card for 2011, finishing 125th on the money list.

Now in its second season, the Kodak Challenge celebrates beautiful holes and memorable moments on the PGA TOUR and challenges players to perform their best on 30 designated Kodak Challenge holes. The player with the lowest cumulative score on his best 18 Kodak Challenge holes wins the $1 million. The 485-yard, par-4 17th on the Magnolia Course was the 30th and final hole of the 2010 Kodak Challenge season.

"The tight race between Troy Merritt, Rickie Fowler and Aaron Baddeley set up the picture perfect ending to a wonderful season. We're excited for Troy Merritt and very happy to have him associated with Kodak," said Steve Powell, director of sports marketing at Kodak.

"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. The success of the Kodak Challenge is due to the hard work of many people; from our own Kodak team members, to great partners like our friends here at Disney and the Children's Miracle Network Classic."

"The Kodak Challenge has been a great program for the PGA TOUR, bringing an additional element of excitement for tournaments, fans and players to 30 PGA TOUR events this year," said Tom Wade, PGA TOUR executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "We look forward to continued growth of the Kodak Challenge in 2011."

The 2011 Kodak Challenge season will commence on January 6 on hole #18 at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua Resort in Maui, HI. The entire 30-hole 2011 Kodak Challenge schedule will be released in the next few weeks.

Kodak Challenge Trophy

To honor the winner of the Kodak Challenge, Kodak commissioned the development of a unique multi-media trophy. 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.

About Troy Merritt

A native of Osage, Iowa, Merritt turned pro after graduating from Boise State University in 2008. Merritt, a 25-year-old rookie, has four Top 25 finishes this year, most notably coming in 3rd at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in April. Merritt resides in Phoenix, Ariz., and is 125th on PGA TOUR money list.

Merritt took the outright Kodak Challenge lead for the first time with a final round eagle at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open on Oct. 24. Merritt's rise to the top of the Kodak scoreboard was fueled by an impressive string of 10 consecutive Kodak Challenge birdies dating back to July 1.

Kodak's marketing partnership with the TOUR includes the designation as Official Imaging Provider of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour, including cameras, printers and scanners. For more on the Kodak Challenge visit facebook.com/kodakchallenge and pgatour.com/kodakchallenge. Fans can also follow the Kodak Challenge at facebook.com/kodakchallenge, twitter.com/kodakchallenge and 1000words.kodak.com/kodakchallenge.