Feb. 11, 2009 -- Few golf courses can cite the history, the beauty and the reputation of Pebble Beach Golf Links. In fact, perhaps no other course can. But it's iconic place in golf is no accident. It takes hard work by a army of dedicated staff to make the course and the brand the world-renowned destination that it is. And PGA Head Professional Chuck Dunbar is leading the way.

PGA.com: Chuck, Pebble Beach is more than a golf course. In a way, it actually transcends golf, doesn't it? It's almost as much a tourist spot or historic site as it is a golf course. Can you comment on the "brand power" of Pebble Beach?

Pebble Beach Golf Links may be the most famous course in the world. (Photo: Getty Images)

Dunbar: Absolutely, it is a historic site -- and some might even say it's a national monument. As far as its brand power, one of the things we find is that the name Pebble Beach resonates not only with golfers but with other travelers as well. Even those who don't play golf or rarely pick up the clubs are proud to say that they have visited one of the most well-known destinations in the world. The best way I can describe the power of Pebble Beach is that today's economic climate is going to make many people reconsider their golf plans, particularly golf travel. It's unfortunate but it's reality. But I still hear the eagerness and enthusiasm from people who walk in our pro shop ready to play. They still come to Pebble Beach from all over the world. We're not immune from economic conditions, but we still have the timeless draw that very few places do.

PGA.com: What kind of shape is the course in?

Dunbar: The course is looking great. We've had phenomenal weather lately with some record highs, and the course has stayed dry enough to handle some of the recent rainfall we've gotten. We have a great natural barrier, the Santa Cruz Mountains, which shield us from a lot of the bigger storms and more extreme weather. So we've benefitted from some great weather and of course, our phenomenal maintenance staff. So we're very pleased with how the course looks. And the forecast for the tournament looks good too, so we're looking forward to another solid tournament.

PGA.com: So many great golfers have played and won here, but this isn't just about the best players in the world this week, is it?

Dunbar: Pebble Beach is a one of the truly great golf courses in the world, that never changes. But this week, there is definitely the "celebrity" factor that makes this event so unique. Seeing the world's best players is always a treat, but throw in Emmitt Smith or Andy Garcia, and the excitement in the crowd goes up an even higher level. I understand it. It is an event as much as a golf tournament. That's what makes it so special.

PGA.com: You host so many tournaments each year, some bigger than others, but many that are nationally significant. I hear there's a special one coming up next year though, no?

Dunbar: Hold on, let's see, we have so many. Perhaps you're referring to a little thing called the U.S. Open. It is exciting, a real honor for the course and we of course think it's a great idea to host the national championship at a course that is a national icon. Since 2000, when the last U.S. Open was here, we have done some kind of work on every single hole of the golf course. We've extended some tee boxes, moved some bunkers, updated some greens; just about anything you can think of. The results have been fantastic and it seems like every time some work is done, it turns out even better than anticipated. This course is definitely ready for its close-up.

PGA.com: You wrote an article for PGA.com last year on "Why Pebble Beach is Beautiful." Is that still just as true this year, that the experience of Pebble Beach is as significant as any particular golf shot or number on a scorecard?

Dunbar: It's absolutely still true, and it's something in which we take a lot of pride. One of my favorite things about working here is getting letters from people who came here on special trips, like couples or fathers and sons. And we do get a lot of the father/son trips. They'll write to us and tell us how the whole experience was just nailed, everything they had hoped for. We know that Pebble Beach is the type of course people put on their "bucket list." If we can live up to that expectation, there isn't a much better compliment a place can get. I think we do pull that off.

Pebble Beach's Head Professional Chuck Dunbar takes a tour of his office. How's the view from your desk? (Photo: PGA.com)

PGA.com: Last year, you had an opportunity to play golf with one of the most talented sports writers around. Is it true he shot even par on the front nine?

Dunbar: You know, it sort of rings a bell. I seem to remember a decent score on the front nine, but I vividly recall the back nine. Would you like to go over any of those shots? It might take a while.

PGA.com: Actually, I ask the questions here Chuck. The even par front nine was spectacular.

Dunbar: I seem to recall you losing and having to buy lunch....

PGA.com: And that's all the time we have. Thanks so much for time.