Aug. 28, 2008 -- Last year's most memorable event during the FedExCup playoffs was probably not the trophy presentation to eventual winner Tiger Woods but the duel between Woods and Phil Mickelson at The Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston. So how do follow up such an incredible precedent? PGA Head Professional at TPC Boston Tom Ellis talked with us about the course, the tournament and the city of champions.

PGA.com: Tom, first of all -- and this might be the only question -- how in the world do you live up to the bar that this tournament set last year?

Ellis: [laughter] Great question. There is a great deal of excitement here, at the club and in the community, about this championship. We're all expecting another thrilling event. That showdown between Phil and Tiger last year was truly special, and obviously it won't be that, but that's not to say that it couldn't be something different and just as riveting and exciting. Last week's battle to start the FedExCup playoffs between Sergio, Kevin and Vijay was pretty good, right? So that certainly helps generate the excitement for the playoffs and for our event and we'll just continue on that line. We will make sure the course and the facilities are top notch and hopefully, the drama of the playoffs will be great for the fans. I'm sure it will.

PGA.com: You have college football starting this weekend, it's a holiday weekend where families are getting together, school is back in session; how do you compete for attention among all these other happenings?

Ellis: We're fortunate in that this is a great sports market, maybe the best in the country. People up here love their golf. You know, from the earliest appearances of golf in America, it has been a prominent part of New England's culture. From the days of Francis Ouimet, golf has always been a premier sport up here. Of course, everyone thinks of the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots -- but I'm telling you that golf doesn't take a back seat to anything. So we'll have plenty of support.

PGA.com: The course is fairly new but getting rave reviews. How's that?

Ellis: The course is six years old and really in great shape. Even after it first opened, we've all been vigilant about continually improving it in a variety of ways -- we want the experience for all golfers, from the PGA Tour players to our members and guests, to be one of the finest they've experienced. For The Deutsche Bank Championship, it's obviously important to have a course that is a great test of golf skill but also a fair test that rewards great shots with scoring opportunities. I think we saw last year that it does exactly that. Gil Hanse was the architect that oversaw some of the renovations that we did, and Brad Faxon was a player consultant on the project, and so we believe we have a unique and elite facility that is a perfect venue for the championship and the FedExCup playoffs.

PGA.com: Okay, final question. The Red Sox win, the Celtics win, the Patriots come oh so close and set all the records, you guys obviously love your winners up there. So, what's wrong with the Bruins?

Ellis: Ha! They're next! Just remember, the Celtics went from worst to first last year. Things can turn around quickly. So the Bruins, they're going to be just fine.

PGA.com: Have a great week and tournament!

Ellis: Thanks so much.