March 25, 2009 -- Being the Director of Golf at any golf course, much less a high-profile facility that hosts a PGA Tour event, is going to bring about pressure and expectations. But when that facility is also the home to one of golf's most endearing and respected icons, well - it's a role that only a handful of people could manage effectively. PGA Professional Brian Dorn spoke with us about Bay Hill, this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational and what it's like to work with The King.

PGA.com: Brian, I bet you never get asked questions about Arnold Palmer. But hey, let's start a trend. What's he really like?

Bay Hill Golf Club is a favorite test for players and fans alike. (Photo: Getty Images)

Dorn: That's a tricky question. It really depends on your relationship with him or lack thereof. If you're one of his everyday golf buddies, he would be "Arnold" or "Arn", just one of the guys, play 18 holes with a few bets on the line, and then retire to the locker room to play cards and have a drink with the crowd. If you are a member of Bay Hill's Shootout, you are either one of his everyday golf buddies, a casual friend, or an acquaintance hoping to get paired with him each day the teams are made. He is still "Arnold" sometimes "Mr. Palmer", still one of the guys, and with enough presence to make your hands tremble while your trying to impress a legend. If you are visiting the club and happen to run into Mr. Palmer, he will greet you with a smile, taking the time to ask you about yourself, pose for a photo, sign an autograph - make a total stranger feel as welcome as a friend.

If you are an employee of the club, he is the boss, always fair and deserving of your respect. He is also the patriarch for what we consider a family at Bay Hill, and I am sure he feels a great responsibility to all of us, especially in this economy. The other day we had a pre-tournament party for all of our employees. Mr. Palmer rushed through his round of golf so he could address his staff, and his speech to us became so emotional, he got choked up and couldn't finish. It was nice to see how much we mean to him.

No matter who you are, you can bet that Arnold Palmer is going to treat you with respect and kindness. He worked his tail off to get where he is today, but he understands that his success is tied to his fans, his family, and his employees, and he is truly grateful for that.

PGA.com: There has to be a pressure that comes with being the home course of "The King." How do you manage those expectations?

Dorn: We all know what Mr. Palmer expects of us, and as long as he is happy with the service we provide, we feel we are doing a good job. Mr. Palmer wants us to treat all of our members and guests as we would treat him, and that is what we strive to do.

PGA.com: How does the course look for this week's tournament?

Dorn: The golf course is in incredible condition. We have had our long-time members comment that the course is in the best condition they have ever seen. I know our greens were in rough shape last year for the tournament, but this year they are absolutely perfect. Mr. Palmer wants the greens to be very quick this year, giving the players a good prep for the Masters. The rough will be as thick or thicker than past years, and just as deep. I think the players will be pleased with what they see.

PGA.com: How do you top last year's finish with Tiger's miracle putt on the 72nd hole? Or do you even try?

Dorn: Never could you expect an ending like the one we had last year. Tiger has provided our fans with many exciting finishes over the years, and all we can ask is that he plays his game - something good will probably happen. We have many exciting young players committed to play this year, but our tournament history shows that experience usually prevails at Bay Hill.

PGA.com: You're the Director of Golf at one of America's iconic courses. You work closely with America's favorite golf icon. Do you ever just stop and think about that?

Dorn: I think about it every time I see how excited people get when they see or meet Mr. Palmer for the first time. It makes me realize how lucky I am to be a part of this. Years ago I felt that some of the decisions I had made cost me opportunities to progress in my career, but now I know that those choices were made for the right reasons. I can assure you that I am satisfied with the decision I made 11 years ago to come to Bay Hill.