Few events in sports can match the colorful and rich tradition of the PGA TOUR's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. From it's inception in 1960 (then called the Palm Springs Golf Classic), the tournament has been a highlight of the golf season; strongly associated with great golf, great golf courses, and great celebrity participants. The Classic Course serves as the host course of the venue that also features top layouts PGA West, Bermuda Dunes, and La Quinta. PGA.com talked with David Hardwick, the PGA Head Professional at The Classic Course, about his role during the tournament, the uniqueness of his course, and if you can find great golf and a great celebrity in one person.

PGA.com: The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic is more than a golf tournament, it's a huge social event. Does that change how you approach your duties?

Hardwick: Well, you are right -- it's a huge social event. We're lucky that there are really great people who handle all the tournament organization, so we (the golf staff) mainly concern ourselves with operational issues; golf carts, the practice facility, things like that. I try not to get too caught up in the "other" things, but aside from having to dodge a lot of crowds when driving around, you just try to do what you're supposed to do - regardless of the size of the crowd.

PGA.com: The tournament, being more than golf, must draw non-golf-savvy people. Does that cause any issues with crowds not knowing the etiquette or nuance of watching a tournament?

Hardwick: There are definitely people here that want to watch the celebrities more than the golf, but I think people are pretty knowledgeable about what's appropriate. Yes, there will be some characters in the crowd, but I don't anticipate any problems more so than any other golf tournament.

PGA.com: What will your week look like?

Hardwick: Lots of planning, setting up staff guidelines, things like that. In some ways, it won't be too different from our normal operations, except everything is on a much bigger scale and you know you're being watched by the golf world. But that's exciting too. It's an opportunity for us to really shine and that's a challenge we welcome.

PGA.com: Do you find dealing with celebrity clientele and members rewarding, or more stressful?

Hardwick: Oh, it's fine. Some people like to gawk or make a big deal out of who is here or who is over there, but they are normal people who put their pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else. I remind the staff about the proper way to act - not to ask for autographs and such - and remind them to be professional, but they know that. It requires some discipline because people get excited, but it's somewhat common around here. It's like dealing with any other group of players.

PGA.com: Not too many fans are familiar with The Classic Course. How would you describe your course?

Hardwick: Expansive. It's an Arnold Palmer/PGA TOUR design and it sits on 240 acres - the size that's typical of a 36-hole facility. Obviously it's scenic and impressive and the support we get from everyone is incredible. It was designed to host this event and you can tell. It's a great set-up for a golf tournament.

PGA.com: What type of player do you think will play well? Any predictions?

Hardwick: I get asked this question all the time in a variety of ways. The best answer is, whoever hits the most fairways and greens, and then takes the fewest putts will win. There's nothing particularly tricky or unusual about the course. Good shots will be rewarded. For non-professionals, we have five sets of tees so the course can play as long as 7300 yards or down to 5421. It's a very playable course for all skill-sets.

PGA.com: What about celebrities? Who's the best actor/singer at golf?

Hardwick: There are quite a few of them that can play pretty well. I've played with Michael Bolton before, he's a solid 8-10 handicap player. Maury Povich is an excellent golfer. There are a number of them with pretty good games. Unfortunatly, I don't get to play with them too often, but I hear about their rounds or see the scores they post. Really, there's some golf talent out there.

PGA.com: Okay, who's the worst?

Hardwick: [Laughter] You're not going to get that answer from me.