July 2, 2008 -- In this election year, change is often hyped as a great positive. But at Congressional Country Club, just a few miles away from the heart of D.C., tradition and history equals excellence. This week, Congressional's Blue Course hosts the AT&T National, one of the premier events on the PGA Tour. PGA Head Professional John Lyberger shares some insight with PGA.com's John Kim about the tournament, the course, and what to expect this week.

PGA.com: In this election year, can you make a case why Congressional is the best host venue on the PGA Tour?

Celebrating the 4th of July and the armed forces of The United States plays a big part of the week's festivities. (Photo: Getty Images)

Lyberger: I'll put it this way. There aren't too many golf courses in the world that can combine our impeccable conditions, our tradition and history, our incredibly enthusiastic and golf-centric membership and the support of an entire community; like we can here. Any one aspect of Congressional is world class -- but combined all together, it truly is unique. I think anyone who watches the tournament on television or comes out to watch this week will be able to make their own case for Congressional Country Club.

PGA.com: Last year was the inaugural AT&T National. One of the big draws was that it was the tournament hosted by Tiger Woods. That's a big bar to set, how did it go?

Lyberger: We obviously have enormous expectations for any event we host, but last year, with the Tiger Woods affiliation and the inaugural event centered around the 4th of July, our entire staff and membership knew the world would be focused on us with great intensity. With a short time frame to work with, we not only met every high expectation, but we exceeded them. I can't say I was surprised, I know what we can do, but I don't think anyone was honestly expecting the type of superior success that we had. And even more, I think we're going to do even better this year. So we absolutely expect to be the best of the best and refuse to settle for anything else.

PGA.com: This year, Tiger is out --- at least as a competitor. Does that change anything about the week from your perspective?

Lyberger: No, not at all. Certainly, there is a lot of buzz when Tiger Woods is in the field playing, but we have so many exciting events that still need our entire focus and attention to make the week go well. We will have a great crowd, a great golf course, we'll honor the military in an awesome ceremony and we'll have a tournament with many of the best players in the world. So, we're expecting no change in our role or our expectations.

PGA.com:. Speaking of the military and the 4th of July holiday, are there any special events scheduled in celebration of Independence Day?

Lyberger: Wednesday will be a sight to see with our Opening Ceremony. Once again, we'll have a large military presence with children of members of our armed forces hitting the opening tee shots to get our tournament under way. We will work with the Wounded Warriors Project and other military-based organizations throughout the week. This is a family and community event as much as it is a golf championship. I am really excited and honored to take part.

PGA.com: Last year, I asked you what group of members were better golfers, the Republicans or Democrats. You took the 5th. Care to clarify and revise this year?

Lyberger: [laughter] I liked my answer last year.