For the last few years, the Sony Open has been about a precocious Hawaiian youngster who wanted to test their game against the big boys of the PGA TOUR. Well the more things change... Michelle Wie will not be a part of the proceedings but the season's first full-field event will have plenty of local flair as Tadd Fujikawa becomes the home state hero for the galleries to cheer. John Harman, the PGA Head Professional at Waialae Country Club tells us that there are actually lots of reasons to cheer at his course, both inside and outside the ropes.

PGA.com: John, for a few years the dominant conversation in regards to The Sony Open has been Michelle Wie. How is the fact that she will not take part this year going to affect the tournament?

Harman: I don't think it's going to affect the tournament too much. Yes, she was a great draw for the galleries and she is a wonderful young lady, but the people of Hawaii always appreciate great golf. And now Tadd Fujikawa is going to play in this year's tournament so there will be plenty of local interest and fan support for him. I think we will have a great tournament.

PGA.com: Tell me a little about your course, and what can the TOUR players expect when they tee it up Thursday?

Harman: One of the things we take great pride in here at Waialae is the conditions of our greens. TOUR players always remark and compliment us on our greens and this year will be no exception. They are fast, they are true, and they can give you fits if you end up on the wrong side of them. As for the course, we did re-sod the 18th fairway, the players will certainly notice and appreciate that. There's really not that much we can do to alter the course. We do have real estate limitations, we're on an island and can't just decide to move certain tees back or shift a green here or there. I've heard people comment that we're a short course compared to other layouts, but my response to them is that half the field is going to miss the cut, no matter how long or short the course is. It's a good challenge for the players and we're going to offer a first-class and very enjoyable atmosphere for the players and fans.

PGA.com: Your membership takes great pride in this tournament and this golf course. I've heard that the greens are even faster for some of your member tournaments than they are for The Sony. Care to comment?

Harman: Our membership skews a bit older than the players on TOUR, we're not going to set the course up the same for them as we are the PGA TOUR guys. So the rough will be shorter for our member play and tournaments, the fairways will be a bit wider. But the greens, we don't compromise on them. They are always spectacular, and they are always a great test.

PGA.com: There's so much to do in Hawaii, both as a resident and a visitor I'd imagine. Why golf?

Harman: Golf is at its best in Hawaii I believe. The natural beauty of the islands, the settings, the ocean and views, and you can experience them all I believe, in the purest and best form, when you're out on the golf course. I don't just say that about our course, but all over the islands.

PGA.com: What Hawaiian word or phrase would you use to describe your job or your life?

Harman: 'Aloha.' It means hello, goodbye, love, it's a feeling as much as a greeting. It's an open, friendly gesture. I travel all over the world and I enjoy that, but the more I travel, the more I appreciate coming home to the Aloha spirit. It's very special and that's how I feel about my job, this course, and my home state.

PGA.com: So let's see, you have beautiful beaches, great sunshine, incredible golf, a great staff of employees, etc. Meanwhile, it's 40 degrees outside my window and much of the country is shoveling out of deep snow. Tell me that it's not so great in Oahu before I really get upset.

Harman: Well, if it makes you feel any better, I am looking outside my window right now and there's a little drizzle coming down.

PGA.com: See? It's not always so great then, right?

Harman: Oh, but it's a warm rain and they're still golfers out there.

PGA.com: Of course. [laughter] Thanks for your time John!