PGA.com was fortunate enough to spend time with PGA Head Professional Andy Stoterau of TPC Deere Run just prior to his course hosting the PGA TOUR's John Deere Classic. Stoterau gives great insight into what makes the layout special, why the course doesn't play too much easier for non-TOUR players, and even shares some of the infamous history of the area.

PGA.com: The course was designed by a former TOUR player and local favorite D.A. Weibring. Obviously, he brings a great knowledge of the area and a good idea of what tests golfers at the highest levels. Is this evident in the course?

Stoterau: Absolutely. Mr. Weibring did a magnificent job in creating a terrific test of golf while utilizing the natural layout of the land. When you see this course, you'll see that there really wasn't a whole lot of dirt moved to create it. But when you play here, you'll realize that you have to hit every club in your bag, hit every type of shot, face uphill holes, downhill holes, it's just a great test of every facet of your game. The TOUR players love this course because it is such a great challenge. And finally, the views that the course offers are spectacular. So yes, this course is a great testament to Mr. Weibring's knowledge of the area and the PGA TOUR. We're all very proud of the facility.

PGA.com: How playable/friendly is the course to amateur players. Is it your experience that the amateurs want a TOUR type test or simply a course that they enjoy and can score on?

Stoterau: It's been my experience that the amateur players want the course set up as similar as possible to the TOUR conditions. They want to test their games and see how they compare to the best in the world. Obviously, conditions won't be exactly the same, but I think we'd hear about it if the conditions became too benign. But we couldn't really do too much even if we wanted. The rough is always a factor here, it's high and thick. But the several bunkers on the course, the placement of the bunkers, the water, those things - we certainly couldn't change, nor would we.

PGA.com: What's your favorite hole on the course?

Stoterau: There are some great holes on the course, I have a number of them. If I had to pick one, it would probably no. 16. Even though it's a short par three, it is a great challenge. It has a narrow green, a difficult bunker to avoid, a great view of the Rock River, just everything for great drama and a great challenge.

PGA.com: If a TOUR player came to you and asked for advice prior to the tournament, what would you tell them?

Stoterau: Keep it in the fairway. I know that sounds like such a clich? but it's very true here. The rough is just really problematic if you get into it, the ball just settles down to the bottom. If you have to give up distance off the tee by hitting three wood all the time, do it, but make sure you find the short grass.

PGA.com: Your course is also an Audobon International Cooperative Sanctuary. What does that mean?

Stoterau: We are active in promoting and protecting the environment while we maintain and improve our golf course. From our watering to the use of chemicals to certain areas that are never disturbed, to pretty much everything we do in terms of maintaining out course; we work proactively to maintain a healthy balance between a top-tier golf facility and a safe-haven for animals and wildlife to prosper.

PGA.com: Your's is one of the few courses on the TOUR rotation that is available for public play. Even more, it's very affordable for the public. Is it tough to get a tee time? Is that a big part of the marketing of your course?

Stoterau: We are a semi-private course with a membership that we take very good care of, but we do open our tee times for public play. Tee times aren't too tough to get, we do take them up to 45 days in advance. As for the price, we take great pride in being one of the great golf values found anywhere. The fact is, people can come here and have a PGA TOUR playing experience, a world-class experience, and not have to take a loan to do it, I think it really sets us apart.

PGA.com: All of the holes there have a name and marker signifying something special in the area's history. I've heard about the Colonel Davenport hole. Why is that so renowned?

Stoterau: Colonel Davenport was one of the early settlers of the Quad Cities area. Unfortunately, he was murdered by a local group of thieves called that "Banditti". After they murdered him, they hid out at a barn who's foundation can still be seen behind our second hole. So that's where hole no. 2 got its name.

PGA.com: So your saying that your course is a haven for murderous thugs?

Stoterau: [laughter] No, they left and were eventually captured.

PGA.com: So you're tough on crime. What's the penalty for a lost ball?

Stoterau: Still two strokes, no hanging or anything.