March 11, 2009 -- For over 45 years, Doral has welcomed the best golfers in the world to offer them one of the great challenges in golf. To come out on top here is to defeat not only the field but to conquer the famed "Blue Monster." Who better to tell PGA.com about the demands and famed history of this South Florida gem than PGA Instructor Jim Mclean, founder of the Jim Mclean Golf School at Doral and one of the most sought after golf teachers in the world.

PGA.com: The Blue Monster has one of the greatest golf course names around, and the course itself is not too shabby either. What is it about the design of the course that brings the Tour back each year?

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McLean: I think more than anything it's the tremendous history we have had here. A lot of great players have won events here: Jack Nicklaus, Raymond Floyd, Greg Norman, Tiger Woods. The course was also the work of a very talented designer named Dick Wilson, and honestly I think this course is one of his best. It's not unfair in a strong wind, which sets up well for the Florida conditions. A good shot usually won't be punished, and a bad shot doesn't mean an inevitable double bogey or worse. It is a good mix of a challenging golf course and one that will reward solid play.

PGA.com: Back in 2005, this course played host to a fabulous display by Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who looked like they were practically throwing darts at the flags in the final round. Do you think anyone will be able to attack pins this year the same way those two did? Can anyone go 20 under par again?

McLean: You know, I think there is a good chance someone can get to 20 under or lower this year. The rough is probably the lowest I've ever seen for a tournament we've hosted here at Doral. The Tour doesn't want a US Open every week, so they set up this course to allow these guys to put on a bit of a show. Also, a lot of the players have been here before and know the design well. Considering the course conditions, the strength of the field, and the fact that a lot of these guys have played here before, I think 20 under is probably right around where the winner will be.

PGA.com: The Doral name is well-known among professional golfers and fans of the Tour as well, but what would you say the resort has to offer for the recreational golfer who may be traveling with his or her family?

McLean: Well, I think Doral really is a unique place. There's nothing quite like it. The location is fantastic, close to downtown Miami, which is a great multicultural city. South Beach is also right nearby, and there is always something to do around there. We have the warmest weather in the lower 48 states, phenomenal restaurants in the area, and easy access with an international airport nearby. Not to mention, we have the five great golf courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf. Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd each have designed courses here, and I'm honored to be joining their ranks as I have just redesigned the Silver Course, set to open in May. All in all, with 5 golf courses, a 700 room hotel, a spa, and everything else, it's really a great set-up. You don't ever have to leave, but if you want to, there is so much around here as well.

PGA.com: Your golf academy has brought many down to Doral. Can you give a little background on your approach to golf instruction and what players can expect at Jim McLean Golf School?

McLean: (laughs) That's a tough one to answer briefly! Well, certainly our main goal is to run the number one school in the country, and I think we do. We have a great staff, we give over 12,000 private lessons, and we hold about 160 clinics for hotel guests over the course of a year. The clinics probably bring in about 25,000 people. I think what really makes the programs successful, though, is all the things that bring people to Doral in the first place. It's already a hot spot for golf, so people take some instruction while they are enjoying a great overall vacation. I think so highly of this place, I've been here 20 years and just signed on for 10 more. It really is a lot of fun, and I get to meet a lot of interesting people, and even celebrities from time to time.

PGA.com: With five golf courses and a very active resort, you've been around a lot of golf. What is your favorite memory from your time at Doral?

McLean: (laughs) That's a great question! There are a lot to choose from. I think the first that comes to mind is the event when Greg Norman shot 62 in the final round of a tournament to force a playoff and then chipped in to eagle a playoff hole to win it. This happened back in 1990, but I still remember it well. The other one that comes to mind has to be that 2005 duel between Tiger and Phil. I think there were about 20,000 people lined up at the first tee when those two teed off. The electricity in the air was incredible. Those two guys really put on a show down the stretch, and I think what made it so great is that you hardly ever see that kind of thing, where two of the top players in the world get paired together and both play the best they can at the same time. For a fan of golf, that was a special round to watch.