Despite changes in venues, names, and sponsors, the PGA TOUR has always found a willing host and enthusiastic home in Greensboro, N.C. Since 1977, Forest Oaks Country Club has been the home to this long-revered TOUR stop, the third oldest on TOUR. PGA.com spoke with PGA Head Professional John Whitener about his course and hosting The Wyndham Championship.

(Note: This interview was done earlier in the week, just prior to the announcement that defending champion Davis Love III would not be participating due to injury)

PGA.com: John, for those that might not be familiar with it, can you describe your course to me.

Whitener: It's a traditional style course, it sets up right in front of you - nothing tricky or too surprising. Tall fescue lines some of the holes, others are tree lined. There is some strong slope in the greens so course management will be a key out here. When Davis Love III redesigned the course in 2002-2003, he did put a few false fronts so that is something to watch for.

PGA.com: With the heat wave gripping the southeastern United States, how is your course holding up?

Whitener: It's actually holding up great. And that's simply a testament to our superintendent and his crew. We just had four straight days of temperatures over 100 degrees and the course is still in fantastic shape.

PGA.com: Greensboro has always been noted for showing such enthusiastic community support for the tournament, can you give us a comment about that? What about the membership?

Whitener: Well, the membership really gets behind this tournament. It is a real source of pride for them; seeing their course testing the best players in the world and welcoming golf fans to the club. They have been great. And you're certainly right about the Greensboro community. This is the only professional event that comes to this area and it has long been a big deal around here. I'm a bit curious to see how the new date on the calendar will affect the attendance, the heat will probably keep some people away, but I think this area will still be just as excited to welcome the PGA TOUR.

PGA.com: If one of the players asked you for some advice before Thursday, what would you tell him?

Whitener: Hit the fairways, the bermuda rough here can be brutal. Keep the ball below the hole on the greens. It sounds simple, but it's important.

PGA.com: Sam Snead won the event there eight times including once as a 52 year old! What is it like to be so closely tied to one of the game's great legends and icons?

Whitener: The history of the tournament is so rich, we are the third oldest event on the PGA TOUR. The locals here still call it the GGO (the tournament was formerly known as "The Greater Greensboro Open") and everywhere you can find Sam Snead's tie-in with the GGO. There is a Sam Snead Blvd. in town and the players play for the Sam Snead Cup. So yes, of course it's an honor to have such a legend associated with the event we host.

PGA.com: Your defending champ is Davis Love III, the guy who redesigned the course in 2002? That's not really fair, is it?

Whitener: [laughter]. Well, if you look at his record, he hasn't actually played that well here until last year when he won. And besides, he's a local guy - went to school at Chapel Hill - and a very beloved figure around here, so everyone is going to root for him anyways.