Golf News for Wednesday, January 13, 2010 | Tournaments

Paul Casey and Sean O'Hair take lead in 2010 Kodak Challenge

Paul Casey and Sean O'Hair were the only pros to eagle Kodak Challenge hole #18 this week at The SBS Championship in Maui, HI. The pair grabbed a one stroke lead on the Kodak Challenge field during the first tournament of the 2010 PGA TOUR season. Hole #18 at The Plantation Course is the first of 30 holes this season in the chase for the 2010 Kodak Challenge title and the winner-take-all $1 million prize.

The massive 663-yard par 5 at The Plantation Course, the longest hole on the PGA TOUR, often yields a host of eagles. Thanks to Maui's famed Kona winds and some tricky hole placements, hole #18 tested the pros at Kapalua Resort. During the final round there were only 8 birdies scored on the Kodak Challenge hole.

The Kodak Challenge continues on January 20-24 at hole # 17 at the Bob Hope Classic at PGA West (The Arnold Palmer Private Course) in La Quinta, Ca.

#18 at Kapalua is the first of 30 Kodak Challenge Holes in 2010

The second year of the Kodak Challenge competition includes 21 of the original 30 holes, with two tournaments joining the Kodak Challenge: No. 15 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC, site of the Quail Hollow Championship; and No. 14 at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, OH, home of the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley.

About Kodak Challenge hole #18 at The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort:

The 663-yard, par-5 is the longest hole on the PGA TOUR. Despite its length, the picturesque hole plays downhill and downwind, giving long-hitters ample opportunity to reach the green in two. Anthony Kim posted an eagle during the final round in 2009 to secure a tie for second.

About the Kodak Challenge:
The Kodak Challenge is a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players and fans and celebrates beautiful holes and memorable moments on the PGA TOUR. All players can compete, and all they have to do is play. Players must play at least 18 of the 30 Kodak Challenge holes to be eligible to win. The player with the lowest cumulative score relative to par wins $1 million and the Kodak Challenge trophy. For more, go to www.kodakchallenge.com.

For additional media information and requests, please contact: Chuck Beeler, cbeeler@mower.com, 315-374-4759.