PGA.com: John, can you describe your course for us? What makes it a good test of golf for the best players in the world but still enjoyable for your membership?

Kennedy: Of course the tournament week, certain conditions on the golf course are going to play tougher. The thickness of the rough and the speed of the greens will be the most dramatic difference for the TOUR players. But this course is always a great golf challenge for all skill levels. When you stand on the tee, nothing appears too overwhelming, but as you put your ball in play, you realize that scoring here is always tough. There are a good number of uneven lies and the designs of the greens mean that your approach shots are critical. With the slopes here, if you're on the wrong side of the hole, you could be in some big trouble.

PGA.com: With the change in date, with the increased prominence as the first stop on the FedExCup Playoffs, it brings added exposure but also added scrutiny. Does that mean added pressure?

Kennedy: No, we are giving our full effort regardless of the date. If there is added pressure, it is probably on our superintendent and his staff due to the summer heat and what it does to the golf course. With this heat, getting the course tournament ready is a special type of challenge. The TOUR expects us to present a stern test, and we always do. Historically, we are typically one of the highest scoring events on TOUR, I don't expect that to change.

PGA.com: How has the membership and community been as far as supporting the Barclays?

Kennedy: The membership here has been overwhelming in its support. We have a great membership and they make sure that their facility is presented as the top tier facility that it is. The community support is also strong, but you have to remember that this is New York, and there are always a multitude of options for fans to pick from so selling golf can be a tough environment here. But overall, it certainly seems like we'll have great fan and volunteer support.

PGA.com: What advice would you give a TOUR player that came to you before their round regarding your course?

Kennedy: I know a lot of courses will say this, but it's really true here. Do whatever you have to do to keep your ball in the fairway. After that, keep your ball below the hole on the greens. If you do those two things, you can score well here.

PGA.com: Finally John, can you explain the FedExCup to me?

Kennedy: Let's see. It's a four-event playoff for the PGA TOUR with reducing fields as you go along.

PGA.com: That's about as good as I've heard it.