PGA TOUR and Aon Announce Hole Selections and Scoring System
for $1 Million Aon Risk Reward Challenge
Season-long challenge will highlight player decision-making on TOUR’s most strategically challenging holes
The PGA TOUR and Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions, today announced the TOUR’s hole designations (see below) and scoring system for the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, a compelling new performance-based program that serves as Aon’s opening chapter of a multi-year partnership with both the PGA TOUR and LPGA.
The season-long Aon Risk Reward Challenge will highlight the world’s best professional golfers as they tackle the most strategically challenging holes across both Tours. The PGA TOUR and LPGA player on top of the Aon leaderboard at the end of the regular season will each receive a $1 million prize.
“The world’s best professional golfers are constantly looking for insights to give them a winning edge over their competition. We see clear parallels in how we advise our clients, as Aon’s solutions are rooted in data and analytics that help them minimize volatility and maximize performance,” said Andy Weitz, Chief Marketing Officer, Aon. “The same concept applies in golf, and we are excited to see how players develop strategies that help them understand the risk and realize the reward on each of the Aon Risk Reward Challenge holes this season.”
Each week, the Aon Risk Reward Challenge will bring golf fans an in-depth look at the carefully selected tournament challenge hole by providing an overview of the opportunity it presents, unique insights derived from data and analysis of past performances and recommended strategic approaches to provide an advantage. Fans now will be able to understand how players weigh the risk/reward decisions they face as they take on each hole and try to execute their desired game plan.
“We are excited to highlight the decision-making process that PGA TOUR players face during every round of the season,” said Tyler Dennis, the PGA TOUR’s Chief of Operations.
“Each of the par-four and par-five holes that we have designated for the Aon Risk Reward Challenge presents unique elements and challenges that will dictate a player’s strategy. We know our players are excited about the Challenge and we are confident our fans will enjoy following it throughout the season. Whichever player successfully executes his plan after calculating whether the risk is worth the reward over the course of the season will earn the first-place prize of $1 million.”
“The margin for error is very thin on the PGA TOUR,” said Tony Finau. “To compete on the world’s toughest courses, every shot we take requires critical decision-making. Aon created this program to shine a light on the data driven insights they are known for in their business, and we couldn’t be more excited to work with them.”
Aon Risk Reward Challenge at the Farmers Insurance Open
The designated Aon Risk Reward Challenge hole at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open is the iconic 18th. The long and narrow 570-yard par 5 presents a scoring opportunity for players who can manage the volatility and execute their game plan. Since 2014, the reachable 18th has yielded the second most birdies of any hole on the South Course, but scores can range from eagle to triple-bogey, so players must have a strategic game plan in mind standing on the tee, and a good drive is essential to give players the opportunity to gain an advantage.
Already this season, decision-making on Aon Risk Reward Challenge holes has proven pivotal. At the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Xander Schauffele took the calculated risk to go for the green off the tee in all 4 rounds on the 305-yard par 4, 14th hole at Kapalua Resort. His aggressive approach combined with precise execution, led to four birdies (1-under per round) compared to the field average of .14-under par.
Aon Risk Reward Challenge Scoring System
The scoring system, identical on both the PGA TOUR and LPGA, is intuitive and produces a compelling risk/reward narrative throughout the season. The Aon Risk Reward Challenge takes the best two scores from every participating event a player competes in, ensuring that all play is counted and providing a small advantage to those that make the cut with the winner having the best average score to par across the season. Players must play a minimum of 40 rounds throughout the season. At the PGA TOUR’S Wyndham Championship, the winner will be awarded the Aon Trophy and a $1 million prize. On the LPGA Tour, the winner will be awarded the Aon Trophy and a $1 million prize at the LPGA Tour’s season-ending CME Group Championship.
The Challenge runs across regular season tournaments (36 PGA TOUR; 29 LPGA), with CBS Sports and Golf Channel as official broadcast partners. The Aon Risk Reward Challenge will be brought to life through feature segments, including weekly Challenge hole profiles and insights, player interviews and on-air commentary as well as through the work of the Aon player ambassadors throughout the year.
To view the leaderboard and for more information about the Aon Risk Reward Challenge visit: https://www.pgatour.
2019 Aon Risk Reward Challenge Schedule – PGA TOUR
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