Jan. 13, 2009 -- The first full-field event of the PGA Tour season is upon us and what better way to kick things off than in paradise -- otherwise known as Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. To give us an inside look at the tournament, the course and the state, PGA Head Professional John Harman spent some time with PGA.com.

PGA.com: The last few years, The Sony Open has garnered a great amount of attention due to some home-grown prodigies that were taking part. Michelle Wie for a couple of years and then Tadd Fujikawa took over the spotlight. What local flavor will you have to add to the tournament this year?

Parker McLaclin knows the ins and outs of Waialae. (photo: Getty Images)

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Harman: There are a great number of storylines, really good ones, taking place this week. On a larger scale, the PGA Tour always has some great drama and all golf fans will want to follow who is having a good week. But yes, we still have a number of local heroes to root on. I'm excited to note that Tadd Fujikawa will be playing this year, he qualified during the Monday qualifier. Obviously, that's going to be a great story. Dean Wilson is playing this week, he's a good Hawaii product. Parker Mclachlin is not only a hometown hero, he used to work here at Waialae! He'd come in a couple of days a week and clean up around the shop to get practice/playing privileges on the course. He'll have a big fan following here. And keep your eye out for Lorens Chan. He's a 14-year old golfer who qualified via the Governor Burns Cup by making a clutch birdie on the first playoff hole. He's something special. His father is a member here and we'll all be really rooting him on. We're very proud of him already, but it's going to be special to watch him play during the week. You know, he almost qualified last year to play, he tied for the spot and lost out in the playoff. So almost in at 13, playing at 14. He'll have a big following too of course. So yes, we are well represented.

PGA.com: So you have just a juggernaut of prodigies waiting to take over the golf world?

Harman: We have a very strong youth program, as proven by some of the names we've just mentioned. But there's plenty more coming. Our climate is ideal for developing golfers, so I think we're going to see more and more great golfers coming from Hawaii. The only bad side is, we also have the world's best beaches. So sometimes, it's hard to discipline yourself to beat another bucket of balls when the surf is calling. But the talent is there and it is getting more and more recognition.

PGA.com: I wish I knew that problem. How's the course looking?

Harman: John, the course is in the best shape it's ever been in. Ever. We got a large amount of rain in December, but we had just put a new drainage system in last year and it worked perfectly. And with that rain, the course is lush, it's really green and it's going to be a great test of golf for the Tour players. I've had a number of players tell me this is as good as they've ever seen the course.

PGA.com: Are the greens still the hallmark of the course?

Harman: They are. And they look as good as they putt. I don't think you could find better greens anywhere.

PGA.com: Don't some members say that the greens are tougher for the club championship than they are for the Sony Open?

Harman: Some do say that. I'll just say this. You might find them cut a little lower or rolling a little faster in the summer. But in all fairness, with the strong trade winds this time of year, they are rolling about as fast as they could be right now without it getting really crazy on the greens.

PGA.com: Last year you talked to us about the importance of the 'Aloha Spirit.' Can you elaborate on that for us?

Harman: Of course. The Aloha Spirit is what we, as a club, as a culture, as an island, are all about. It is a spirit of friendliness, openness, of welcoming and warmth. I have been fortunate enough to play golf at many of the top courses in the world. I really appreciate and enjoy those opportunities. But in all sincerity, nothing surpasses the level of service and friendliness that we have here. It's for our members, new and old, our guests, our staff, our neighbors. When you arrive, it's "Welcome, Aloha." And when you leave, it's "We'll see you later, Aloha." At the end of the tournament, my wife and I greet each golfer as they walk off the 18th green. My wife gives every player a lei and thanks them for coming to the tournament. Now some of those players aren't particularly happy with how they played and aren't in the best of moods. But they take off their hats, wear the lei and a smile almost always forces its way out. And that's the Aloha Spirit. It always leaves you with a smile.

PGA.com: So overall John, is this a good week or a rough week for you?

Harman: It's a great week. We love the crowds, the action, the Tour players, the excitement, there's nothing quite like it. And it's not just a Thursday through Sunday thing. We have some wonderful events that go on all week. The fine people at Sony really put on one of the best shows in all of golf. And I would like to point out that they don't get near the credit they deserve. I don't know how all the other tournaments operate, but the way Sony goes about hosting this event has to be one of the most impressive in the golf world. I hope we reciprocate in some fashion how important they've been to us, as a course, as a tournament and even, as a state. I think you'll see that as you watch this tournament -- in person or on television. It's really special.