Feb. 13 -- Many people think of movie stars, glamor and the Southern California sunshine when they think of Riviera Country Club - and they'd be right. But what truly makes this iconic facility a cut above? PGA Head Professional Todd Yoshitake gives us some insight.

PGA.com: You have said in the past that no matter who shows up to play there, what movies are filmed at the facility, what the membership rolls look like, the course is always the star. Can you explain that for us?

Fans, players and media find Riviera to be one of their favorite stops on Tour. (Wireimage.com)

Yoshitake: Well, it's really tough to compete with history. This course has so much character, so much history associated with it, great championships, Hogan's Alley, an incredible roster of members, people understand that it is a special place in the world of golf. So when a person comes here to play golf, they are here for the experience of it, to walk the same fairways as Hogan, Snead and Nelson. The course really hasn't changed all that much since George C. Thomas designed it in the 1920s, so when you play golf here, you really are walking back in time to a great extent. If you come out here, and you're out on the course, with the canyon walls and trees, you're just out there with golf and history around you. No cars, no noise, it's like being on a stage of sorts. And the course, again, is the star.

PGA.com: Is the entertainment industry the predominant industry represented there? Has the writer's strike affected the membership or the amount of play on the course?

Yoshitake: I don't think it's affected our membership but we're seeing people we haven't seen in awhile. I don't know if it's because they have more time to play -- which might be one explanation -- but I also think that the stress of situation means people need a release, to get away and focus on something else. What better outlet than golf?

PGA.com: Let's be honest, actors, producers, many in the field are used to a certain very high level of treatment. How does that affect your staff and how do you draw a line between special treatment for everyone vs. extra special treatment for anyone?

Yoshitake: That's a good question. Obviously, everyone here has high expectations in everything they do, not just the level of service they get from their home course. And we work very hard to provide a level of service that makes everyone feel special and valued. And while it's true that each of our members are kings of some world, we haven't really encountered too many issues along those lines. You know, golf is such a humbling game, I have to think that people understand as they pull up here, it's about the game, the experience of being here and playing the course. I think a lot of egos are left behind before people arrive.

PGA.com: Last year, Charles Howell III defeated Phil Mickelson in a thrilling playoff. That's some big name draw right there. With such a storied history for the tournament, the classic and world famous venue, high profile celebrities in attendance, southern California weather, it would seem to be a natural for huge crowds. But there's been a very discernable effort by the new sponsors to attract more fans and players. Is it that tough to compete for the entertainment dollar in the entertainment capital of the world.?

Yoshitake: You always feel like you can do better, you wouldn't be a top tournament or top golf facility if you didn't. We have so much to offer the golf fan, such a great field, such a great course for viewing golf, great weather, really it's ideal. And now, with the involvement of Northern Trust, I think you're going to see that level of commitment go up even more. The purse is significantly higher, I think it's the second highest purse on the PGA TOUR (not including majors). But you know, it's Los Angeles. If you're not going to do it big, and do it great, then you don't do it all. We're doing it big and great.

PGA.com: You've made a few references to Riviera being such a unique layout and great course for a tournament. What distinguishes Riviera from other great layouts on the TOUR in your opinion?

Yoshitake: There are a number of reasons. This course was designed for championship golf. It just fits the land so well. And the Tour players will tell you, they love it. This course is set up to give players any number of options to get the ball to their target, there is no specific style of play that will dominate here. If you look at past winners, from Corey Pavin to Mike Weir, to Charles Howell III last year who beat Phil Mickelson in a playoff, there are so many different types of players that can find success here. A lot of courses can be too penal or too easy, anyone can add length to a course or cut down the rough. But here, this course is a great combination of a tough layout but a good fair test that rewards thinking your way around as much as solid ball striking. And of course, the history, the weather, the things that we've touched on earlier.

PGA.com: Finally, as many actors and actresses that you must see all the time playing at your course -- who has the best swing? And are you brave enough to answer, who has the worst?

Yoshitake: Well, I don't really talk about specific members -- and that's a good thing. You don't really think I'd answer that second question, do you?