he comparisons to its more famous neighbor a couple of hours east are understandable. Like Augusta National, TPC Sugarloaf prides itself in its Southern charms, immaculate conditions, and scenic visuals. Their winner's lists even look remarkably similar. But as PGA Head Professional Dean Alexander tells us, his course has a character and style all its own.

PGA.com: The course is a Greg Norman design, back when Greg Norman was considered one of the game's big bombers. It's often referred to as a long-hitters course. Is that a fair assessment?

Alexander: Not anymore. Back when the PGA TOUR first came here (1997), that was probably true. But now, with technology in the clubs and balls today, it's no longer considered a "long" course at all. And now, with the date change, there's going to be a warmer and dryer climate - no the course won't play overly long.

PGA.com: Past winners of the AT&T Classic include Tiger Woods, David Duval, Retief Goosen, Phil Mickelson has won it twice, and Zach Johnson. That's not a bad roster there, is it?

Alexander: It is a great roster. I think that the list is evidence of the integrity of this layout. It's really quite a challenge that tests every part of your game. Not just a test of your golf skills, but your mental toughness and your ability to make smart decisions. In the past, we've had some weather challenges that can wear down some players as well. When players are tested like they are here, in a challenging but fair way, it's no surprise that the best tend to excel.

PGA.com: There are often comparisons made between your course and Augusta National Golf Club. These have been made by the designer, Greg Norman, and several players - who often played here as a tune-up of sorts for The Masters. Can you elaborate on these comparisons?

Alexander: For one, the terrain is similar -- rolling fairways, similar trees and bushes and flora. We have overseeded rye grass fairways, the feel of the courses have some definite likenesses. But I also think that the slope, severity, and speed of the greens are comparable. If you can putt well here, you're definitely ready for Augusta.

PGA.com: If one of the TOUR players came to you and asked for some advice about your course, what would you tell them?

Alexander: Do what you need to to find the fairway off the tee. We have now gone to bermuda rough, it used to be zoysia, and it is high and very thick. Keep the ball in the fairway. And know the greens and keep the ball below the hole.

PGA.com: Fill in the blank for me. John Doe is a 14 handicap and he is playing at TPC Sugarloaf for the first time. He'd better bring a solid ________.

Alexander: Short game.

PGA.com: Many courses on TOUR talk about how they lay claim to "the toughest closing holes in golf". The last two weeks at the Wachovia and at Sawgrass are examples. But you may have the toughest closing holes on a front nine. Nos. 7, 8, 9 are just brutal, aren't they?

Alexander: I actually think that the tough stretch goes back to five, which can be a real challenge. No. six is a par five, but then nos. seven, eight, and nine can spell disaster if you're not careful. Seven may not play too long for these guys, not now with the conditions as they are, but eight (248 yard par three with danger all down the right) and nine (465-yard par four with a tough drive and a difficult approach) can be a beast.

Conversely, I really like our closing holes, not as a "murderers row" but maybe the most exciting closing holes on TOUR. If you're near the top of the leaderboard and you play the last three holes even par, I don't think that's going to help your cause.

PGA.com: Speaking of, your closing hole is often referred to as one of the most fun on the PGA TOUR.

Alexander: No doubt. Seeing players having to decide whether to go for it in two, the crowd reaction, it's a great scene.

PGA.com: Golf is such a hot commodity in Atlanta and yours is one of the most high-profile courses around. If people in the area have a chance to come play your course, I would think they take it, regardless of the state of their game, or if they'd ever even played. What's the highest number you've ever seen on a scorecard there?

Alexander: Oh, I couldn't even begin to tell you, but I'm sure there's been a few 120s, 130s posted. But let me add, we have enough sets of tees here to make this course enjoyable for anyone.