Feb. 24, 2009 -- Ho hum, just another week on the PGA Tour. Except there's two tournaments, one World Golf Championship at a new course, the Tour's only match play event and oh, a certain Mr. Tiger Woods is entered into the field. How does a venue feel about that type of build up? According to PGA Head Professional Jeff McCormick of the Ritz Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain in Marana, Ariz.

PGA.com: So, nothing big or exciting happening this week, huh? Kidding, you must be thrilled with the announcement that Tiger Woods is going to make his return in this event. What do you expect to see from him and how do you think fans will react to his arrival?

The first Accenture Match Play Championship to be held at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain will be one of the PGA Tour's highest profile events in years. (Photo: Getty Images)

McCormick: Well, as far as what to expect from Tiger himself, I'm positive he wouldn't be coming back if he didn't feel ready to go. He always enters a tournament expecting he can win it all. I'm sure he will ask no less of himself this week. I think the fans will be excited to have the top 64 players competing, and that would not have been the same without the number one player in the world. It's great to have Tiger in the field, for Tucson, for the course, and for everyone involved with the event. The fans should be stoked and I am as well.

PGA.com: So what a way to christen a new course! Is it setting the bar too high too early?

McCormick: I'd say it's certainly not setting it too high. In fact, this is a great way to start things off here, and showcase the great product we have to offer. We pride ourselves on providing excellent service and giving golfers every reason to play here, and to host an event like this only helps the cause. This event is a milestone we have been awaiting for some time. We have taken full advantage of the first month the course has been open to work out some wrinkles and get ready to put on a great show.

PGA.com: This is a unique event since the match play format is so different from the norm. What about this course makes it the right host for such an event?

McCormick: Well, first of all, Jack Nicklaus practically designed the course for this event. We knew it was coming, so the course was prepared with the Accenture in mind. From the tips, this course plays 7800 yards, so the Tour can come in here and tweak each hole to make it just right. We have narrowed down the fairways a lot, and the rough is pretty substantial, even though we are out in the desert. These guys may be the best players in the world, but they will still have to hit some long irons into greens, and that makes for great match play. We also have a couple of drivable par 4's, so there will be some tough decisions to make along the way. On the whole, I expect we'll see a decent number of holes won with pars, which means guys will work to win their matches.

PGA.com: What advice would you give a 16 seed out here trying to beat a 1? Is there anything different a big underdog should do to try to even things out?

McCormick: The most important thing is to check the history books! It's been done before. On any given day, any player can win or lose at this level. Not to mention, the 64 players here are a lot closer in ability than, say, the 64 teams in the NCAA tournament. We are talking only a few decimal points in average scoring. The difference certainly is not insurmountable.

PGA.com: A lot of these matches are heavily influenced by momentum?one perfect shot or big miss can change everything. What hole, or holes, do you think may provide these turning points?

McCormick: On the front 9, I'd suggest that number 5 will be a hole to watch out for. It's a long par 4, and will take a couple of really good shots just to get anywhere near the hole. If players are struggling early, this can be a hole that either turns it around, or really exaggerates the problems they're having. On the back 9, number 11 is a 695 yard par 5! It takes two huge blasts to get there, but if someone can manage it, that might change the tone of a match. It's a victory to walk away with 4 on that hole. Also, number 15 is a drivable par 4 that may make for some interesting decisions late in a match when players are trying to hang in or extend a lead.

PGA.com: Finally, on a more personal note, how does it feel to be so closely associated with an event that is always so full of great storylines and outstanding play?

McCormick: It feels great! This is truly a great opportunity for the Ritz Carlton and the entire Ritz family. It is awesome to have the event in the Tucson area, which has been solidifying its reputation in the sports world in recent years. It's very exciting to host an event of this magnitude with the top 64 players here, and especially since the world's number 1 is making his triumphant return.