PGA.com: When the players tee it up Thursday to start play, what can they expect from you golf course?

Christopher: They can expect a very well-manicured golf course, one that lays out in front of you as a fair but challenging test. Not too many blind shots or hidden hazards, but it will demand that a player be able to hit a wide variety of shots in order to score really well. It is a modern day course with pretty generous fairways -- not tree-lined per se, though very scenic. And of course, this week, we did tighten up the fairways a bit for the TOUR guys. Finding the fairway will be a premium this week because the hot and moist conditions of this summer has really strengthened the rough.

PGA.com: Aren't you the only professional major sports event in Mississippi?

Christopher: That's correct, we are the only annual major professional sports event in Mississippi. Right now, I think it'd be fair to say that college football is no. 1 in the hearts and minds of the state's sports fans, but if that's the case, we're 1-A. The local area and the entire state takes a great amount of pride in hosting this event, and everyone realizes how important it is as a showcase of what is great about Mississippi. So this week, as the PGA TOUR is in town, we are more than just the geographic center of the state, we are the center of all the attention in the state as well.

PGA.com: The tournament, under several different names, has historically been scheduled opposite some more high-profile events including The Masters, The British Open, The World Golf Championships, and THE TOUR Championship. Obviously, that means a number of the big names aren't able to come here. Does that hurt in recruiting fans and volunteers? Would you personally like to see it moved/changed?

Christopher: In the past, it has been held against some of the more prominent golf events of the season. But it seems as if every time we move on the schedule, we move to a better and better location. For example, when we were opposite The British Open, obviously, a number of the top players were overseas playing. But also, that's in the dead heat of summer and the temperatures and humidity alone might be enough to keep some guys away. Well, now we're opposite The President's Cup, and I think that's a good thing in two ways. One, The President's Cup has twelve players. That leaves practically a full field of players that not only want to play, but are battling for their status on the TOUR. Also, because The President's Cup is such a different type of golf tournament than a regular event, I think it only augments the appetite for golf. So some people might tune in to see some of the big name players competing in Canada, and then get excited about watching great golf in a more conventional format, and they'd tune in to watch the tournament here.

PGA.com: You and your staff will be offering lessons during the tournament?

Christopher: Every new sponsor of the tournament brings in some new ideas to increase the appeal of our tournament to the local fan base. Viking has come with all kinds of ideas that I think will be really great. On Thursday, we will be offering golf lessons while the tournament is going on, it's just another way to offer more value for the fan as they attend the event. We are going to have several different types of activities, for fans, for pro-am participants, for everyone involved.

PGA.com: What's the Rough House?

Christopher: The Rough House is a covered area off our signature hole, the 17th, that allows fans a closer than normal look at the action as well as a relaxed, fun atmosphere in which to enjoy the tournament. I'd liken it to the 16th hole at the FBR Open, maybe not as rowdy, but all the elements of making it a fan-friendly experience. Think of it as the Hospitality Suite for the general public.

PGA.com: I also saw there would be lots of cooking demonstrations. Will you be taking part?

Christopher: [laughter] I'm not sure I'll have the time to take part, but I will probably stick my head in there from time to time and just see what's going on. I'm very excited about the tournament this year, the expansion of fan-friendly events and features is really awesome.