The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is more than just a golf tournament, it is a symbol of the resolve and determination of the people of New Orleans to recover and move forward after Hurricane Katrina. Just like the city that surrounds it, the TPC Louisiana took a battering during the storm, but it has recovered better than ever and is ready to showcase its spectacular restoration. PGA Head Professional Luke Farabaugh gave us some insight into what we can expect.

PGA.com: Luke, the PGA TOUR has been in New Orleans since 1938, and even had one event in 1922. Obviously, there is a long, proud golf tradition in the area. But your course is fairly new to the golf fans. What can you tell us about it?

Farabaugh: It's a great course. Like many of the courses in the area, it was cut out of the forest, out of cypress trees. So there are tons of trees here, even after the damage of Katrina that took down 2000 trees or so. It's a very scenic, picturesque course.

Also, people look at the yardage and automatically think it's a bomber's course. That's really not the case. Of course, distance always helps, but it's really a true factor on only five or six holes. We have three par 4s that are drive-able for the TOUR players. So I wouldn't say that distance is a huge characteristic of the course.

One more thing, ours is a daily-fee facility open to the public, with the exception of tournament week of course. So people can come find out for themselves what a great course we have.

PGA.com: The Zurich Classic had to go away from your course last year due to damage from Hurricane Katrina. How has your course recovered?

Farabaugh: It's recovered very well. We shut down for ten months as we had to clean up over 30 acres that were under water and clean up the trees that were knocked down. But now, as you visit or watch the tournament on t.v., there's no real signs of the damage. In fact, during the clean-up, we made some adjustments to a few holes, nos. 9, 16, 17 and 18 - that really make the course even better. It's been a great recovery for the course.

PGA.com: Speaking of Katrina, the New Orleans Saints were lauded as providing great community spirit and inspiration for the New Orleans area. Is there that same hope for the continued presence of the PGA TOUR?

Farabaugh: Yes, but it's not a hope, it's a reality. The PGA TOUR has been incredibly supportive of the area, even before Katrina, but now, you can really see how it makes a difference. The tournament raises $2 million per year for local charities. And of course, it's more than just a TOUR event, it's a social setting that gives people reasons to smile and get excited. It's a part of the local scene here, part of the community.

PGA.com: What players do you think have the type of game to do well on your course?

Farabaugh: Well, we've discussed the yardage, but I think the key to scoring well here is all in the putting. We have some real subtle slopes and undulations that aren't so easy to pick up and read. The best putters that do see them have a big advantage.

PGA.com: I see the term "Audubon Trail" on your website in reference to your golf course. What does that mean?

Farabaugh: There is a series of golf courses around the state that visitors can play that are unique in that they are part of the Audubon Sanctuary program but are also great golf courses that really deliver a "feel of Louisiana". Playing them not only gives you the best of golf in the state, but also exposes you to everything else great about Louisiana. It's a great concept and great experience for the golfers.