Feb. 4, 2009 -- Torrey Pines has long been known as one of the iconic courses in golf. Combining beauty and climate with challenge and history, the course has been near the top of every golfer's "must play" list for over 50 years. But last year, the facility engraved itself in golf immortality as the host of an epic U.S. Open which saw Tiger Woods win after 91 holes of heart wrenching golf. What has that meant to the course and to future events at the La Jolla facility? PGA Head Professional Joe DeBock shares some insights.

PGA.com: Last year, Torrey Pines played host to one of the most memorable U.S. Opens in recent years. How can you follow up an event like that?

Torrey Pines has now become of golf's most iconic and respected facilities. (Photo: Getty Images)

DeBock: I'm not sure you can, but we definitely are going to try our best. The Open was such a unique event; I don't think you'll see anything quite like it for some time. For golf in general and for Torrey Pines specifically, it truly was a historic moment. That said, the course is still in great shape, and all the preparations that went into hosting the U.S. Open have left us with benefits for years to come. We may not be able to replicate the magic of that U.S. Open, but you can be sure we will put on the best Buick Invitational possible. It's something we've done well for many years and I expect you'll see that same high caliber this year as well.

PGA.com: The second half of 2008 was a tough time for a lot of Americans, at least financially speaking. How has Torrey Pines fared through the last few months?

DeBock: We've been very fortunate in many ways, especially due to having the Open last year. The advertising and marketing presence from the event has given us a leg up on most courses, and the play has not slowed significantly. Not to mention, we have greatly boosted our clothing and merchandising business -- some people come here just to buy souvenirs now! Some of the local courses are definitely hurting, though, and we know how lucky we are to have such a great product to offer.

PGA.com: The PGA Tour season starts in Hawaii and there have been a handful of tournaments since then -- but some would say that the golf world starts to get really interested at The Buick Invitational. Why is that?

DeBock: I don't know if it's true, but I know that I hear that quite a bit. We have a lot of great players here every year, many of whom start their years here, and I think the last eight years the tournament has been won by players with major championships to their names. That is a very high level of golf. In particular, we are very proud of the relationship we've had with Tiger Woods in the past, back to his junior golf days, and while we regret that he is unable to attend this year, we hope Torrey Pines will remain a home for him.

PGA.com: In a sense, the world saw three different Torrey Pines golf courses last year: the US Open course, the Buick Invitational course, and the daily-fee course. Which of these identities means most to you?

DeBock: I think what is really special about Torrey Pines is that it can be all three. It is truly a golf course for everybody. From the local golfer to the club member to the touring pro, everyone can find his or her own challenge here. In addition to the course itself, though, we are also proud of the sense of ownership that our facility engenders in so many people and groups. The staff members here really care about their work and enjoy having the chance to showcase one of the great golf destinations in the country. The golfers here take great pride in the course as well. And the city owns the course, there is a true sense of community here that you just don't see too many places. Overall, this place has such a great dynamic and tradition, I think that Torrey Pines is special in every setting.

PGA.com: What does this year's course have in store for the players that might surprise them even though many of them played the course twice last year?

DeBock: Well, I don't know about "surprise," but this course always finds a way to throw some new challenges at the players. The scores won't be like they were in the US Open, but I don't think the course will be a pushover either. Torrey Pines will always be a great test. What makes this event such a true challenge, though, is the field. You can be sure the leaderboard will have a number of big names on it, and whoever wins this event will have to earn it.