Mar. 2, 2009 -- PGA National Resort and Spa boasts five championship courses, a top-tier hotel, seven restaurants and a world-renowned spa. It has hosted a Ryder Cup, a PGA Championship and 18 Senior PGA Championships. It also serves as the host course of the PGA Tour's Honda Classic. What allows this esteemed facility to continue it's incredible tradition? PGA Professional and Director of Golf Jane Broderick shares her thoughts.

PGA.com: PGA National holds the distinction of having hosted the most major championships of any golf course. What is it about this place that makes the best players in the world come back so often?

Broderick: I think it is just the sheer challenge of playing here. Ernie Els summed it up well last year when he said that you have to hit major championship shots all the time to be able to win here. We believe this is true, and I guess the PGA must agree as well.

PGA.com: The Honda Classic is the first tournament of the season along the east coast. What differences should the players expect coming off the West Coast Swing? What changes do players have to make to adapt to Florida golf?

Defending champion Ernie Els understands the major championship challenge that is PGA National. (Photo: Getty Images)

Broderick: Probably the biggest difference is the greens. Putting on Bermuda grass requires some extra calculation, as very often the grain becomes an influence on the roll of a putt. We also have the little issue of wind. This time of year, the wind is very strong and it can easily take a slight miss and make it into a big one. Even putts can be affected. Overall, players will have to regulate their ball flight and make sure to account properly for the wind and grain if they are going to win here.

PGA.com: What changes have you made to the course in preparation for this event? Is the course the pros play a lot different from what a recreational golfer would see the rest of the year?

Broderick: Under Jack Nicklaus's guidance, we took out a pot bunker on number ten, and enlarged the green. We also enlarged the green on number six. These two holes normally play as par fives, but since the pros play them as par fours, we had to make the greens a little more receptive to long irons. We have also added some trees around the course, and a new tee box at the fifth hole. As far as differences in the course between tournament time and the rest of the year, the length of the rough is really the only big difference.

PGA.com: For people watching this event who may be unfamiliar with the golf course, what are some of the holes that you think will provide the biggest shots of the tournament? Is there a particular signature hole that fans should be sure to watch for?

Broderick: The stretch of holes from 15 through 17 is appropriately named, "The Bear Trap." The 15th and 17th are each par 3's over water, and the 16th is a par 4 with an approach shot also over water. Not to mention, when the wind is factored in, these shots are not easy to hit. If the tournament is close on Sunday, I would expect some drama on this final stretch. The 11th hole also sneaks up to bite people sometimes because it has a very narrow landing area, and it is very easy to get into trouble.

PGA.com: Obviously, economic times have been tough lately. What is it about PGA National that you would like to tell golfers across the country to encourage them to visit?

Broderick: I think a big part of our appeal is that we have something for every level of golfer. It's really a unique atmosphere. Whether you are a new player or seasoned professional, there is a golf course set up for you. Moreover, the location is family-friendly and very easy to access. To be honest, we have actually had an increase in rounds this year, even despite the economy. Talk about a nice problem to have!