Kodak Challenge names final three holes for 2011 schedule

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Kodak and the PGA TOUR announced Wednesday that the 14th hole at Shaughnessy G&CC (RBC Canadian Open), the 18th at Plainfield CC (The Barclays) and the 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Championship) have been added to the 2011 Kodak Challenge calendar, finalizing the 30-hole schedule of the $1 million Kodak Challenge competition.

The RBC Canadian Open (July 21-24 in Vancouver, BC, Canada) and The Barclays (August 25-28 in Edison, N.J.) have hosted Kodak Challenge holes previously, but both tournaments have moved to a new course in 2011. This year marks the first time the Kodak Challenge will visit THE PLAYERS (May 12-15 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.).

According to Steve Powell, director of program development for the Kodak Challenge, the new holes deliver a great mix of scoring opportunities for PGA TOUR professionals and excitement for the fans.

"We are excited for the players and our fans to have added these three special holes to the Kodak Challenge schedule," said Powell. "The par 4s at The RBC Canadian Open and The Barclays come at the perfect time, giving players in the hunt for the $1 million prize a great scoring opportunity during the final stretch of holes. And few holes in golf have delivered more memorable moments than the 17th at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass."

The Kodak Challenge was created to celebrate the beautiful holes and memorable moments in golf. Golfers must play at least 18 of 30 designated Kodak Challenge holes throughout the season to qualify. The golfer with the best Kodak Challenge score relative to par at the end of the season will win the Kodak Challenge trophy and $1 million. The Kodak Challenge concludes on No. 17 at the Children's Miracle Network Classic on October 20-23. As of March 21, Jarrod Lyle leads the Kodak Challenge at 6-under-par.

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

About the new holes:

No. 14 at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club -- 315 yards, par 4
RBC Canadian Open (July 21-24)
This is a short, deceptive par-4 requiring sound judgment and accuracy. Long hitters may gamble with the driver, but the percentage play is to accurately place the tee shot in the center of the fairway. Players should avoid underplaying the second shot to this long narrow, sloping green.

No. 18 at Plainfield Country Club -- 407 yards, par 4
The Barclays (Aug. 25-28)
When played from the back tees, players will have to decide how much of the dog leg to the left should be carried. An uphill tee shot of 240-250 yards will carry two severe bunkers and fescue grass on the interior of the dogleg, leaving a short iron or wedge shot to the green. When played from the forward tee, long hitters can attempt to drive the elevated green 285 yards away. The green complex is undulating and guarded by severe bunkers and fescue grasses.

No. 17 at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass -- 137 yards, par 3
THE PLAYERS Championship (May 12-15)
In its brief history, the island hole at TPC Sawgrass has become one of the signature holes on the PGA TOUR. Built with fans in mind, hole No. 17 is surrounded by spectators in one of golf's first true "stadium" hole designs. Players must completely carry the water from tee to green. The right side of the green is protected by a small bunker, which sometimes provides relief to players who come up short of the green. Club selection on this hole is critically important. With the tricky winds of spring, the Championship could be won or lost here.