June 17, 2008 -- PGA.com: At 6,844 yards, TPC River Highlands isn't a long course compared to some of the others on Tour. What makes this a great test for the world's best players?

The TPC River Highlands offers a fun, fair and demanding test to the best players in the world. (Photo: Getty Images)

Hunter: This course is great because it offers a real test of skills, but in a way that anyone in the field can win. I should note that the par here is 70, so the yardage is a bit misleading. But it is a layout that tests every facet of your game. And if you look at the winning scores here, they aren't ridiculously low or anything. There are other tournaments that have scores much lower.

PGA.com: People always talk about the last four holes at TPC River Highlands and how exciting they are. What is so unique about this closing stretch of holes?

Hunter: They are just a strong challenge where anything can happen and players can move up or down the leaderboard very quickly. No. 15 is a drive-able par 4 but that has a good deal of trouble on the right, water all the way down the left, and there are no easy up and downs near this three-tiered green. You may see some eagles on this hole, but you'll also see a number of double bogeys as well. No. 16 is a 175 yard par 3 that is all over water and no good areas to miss. Again, if you hit a good shot, birdie is a real possibility, but a not so good shot means lots of bogeys or worse. No. 17 is one of our more well-renowned holes. The hole doglegs around the water and from the tee, at least the tees where the Tour players will hit from, there seems to be virtually no landing area. Your approach shot will then cross the water to a well-protected green. No. 18 might seem a bit of a breather after the other three, but it presents some great challenges on its own, especially on the narrow but undulating green. I think you'll see a lot of drama and movement on these holes.

PGA.com: In your opinion, what is essential for a player to score well at TPC River Highlands?

Hunter: You've got to hit the fairways here, that's first and foremost. And then, feeling comfortable on the greens, most players tend to over read the break here, often not seeing some of the more subtle undulations that we have. It really gives an advantage to players who have played here before, though the irony is that our last two winners were first-time winners on Tour. But I still believe that local knowledge is critical here.

PGA.com: A new practice facility will be available for the players at this year's Travelers Championship. Tell me about it.

Hunter: We have one of the great practice facilities now, not only in Connecticut but I'd say in all of golf. It is a state-of-art 23 acre layout with nine target greens and 360 yards from the back tees to the back end of the range. It has a large chipping and putting area for the players as well. For a quick contrast, our former practice area was five acres. Last year, the Tour players were very excited when they saw the excavation and modeling of this new facility. This year, I'm sure their very high expectations will be exceeded when they actually put it to use. It's just phenomenal.

PGA.com: How has fan support been for the tournament?

Hunter: Historically, we've always boasted the second-largest attendance on Tour (behind Scottsdale). When our date on the schedule moved to later in the year, our attendance saw some dip. But with the move now to June, and especially with the incredible support and effort of Travelers, the crowds are back to what we're used to. Keep in mind, this is the largest professional sporting event in Connecticut and the community support is so enthusiastic and widespread. The people here love golf, love the PGA Tour, and also have a great appreciation for the charity money raised and how all of that money stays here in the state. We are very grateful and excited about the fan support that we have.