PGA.com: Steve, what can we all expect to see from the golf course when we tune in to watch The Valero Texas Open?

Shields: It is a great course, a Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish design that is built on top of Texas Hill Country. It has some dramatic elevation changes, great views of San Antonio, and is always in great shape. It is a tree-lined course, but the landing areas are pretty generous. The course is ideal for setting up exciting golf, I think you'll see that again this week.

PGA.com: I count four PGA TOUR events that take place in Texas. Than there are three NBA teams, two Major League Baseball teams, an NHL team, an NFL team, and about a million college and high school teams of every sport - all which have passionate followings. Is Texas ever in danger of sports overload?

Shields: I don't think so. Texans love their sports and they show a very strong and passionate support for all of their teams. It's a big state, we have plenty of room for all the sports, and of course, all the fans.

PGA.com: The Valero Texas Open, under a few different names, is now the third oldest tournament on TOUR. The tradition alone is impressive. Is that a source of pride for the local community?

Shields: It is. We are fortunate to have a tremendous amount of support and enthusiasm for this event. From Valero, the sponsor, who has really shown great excitement about the tournament to the numerous volunteers who we need to make the tournament a success and of course, the citizens of San Antonio who come out in droves to watch the players of the PGA TOUR play some incredible golf; we have been very pleased with the level of support from everyone involved.

PGA.com: Your course is the site of the lowest 72 hole score in PGA TOUR history. It has a reputation for being a birdie-friendly course. Some have even called it "easy". Is that a fair assessment?

Shields: I wouldn't say it's the easiest golf course, but there certainly has been some low numbers shot here by the TOUR players. I think one major reason for that is that South Texas is often are very dry leading up to the tournament. When conditions are dry, the rough isn't as strong or thick as it could be, and doesn't offer as much a penalty to the TOUR players. But this year, we've had quite a bit of rain. I think you'll see that the rough is quite healthy and the players will certainly find scoring to be a little tougher if they're missing fairways than in year's past.

PGA.com: Texans are very proud of their native sons and daughters. You've certainly had your share of Texans win at this tournament, Ben Hogan and Justin Leonard jump to mind. Is there any Texan in the field this year that we should keep an eye on?

Shields: Wouldn't it be a great story to see Colt Knost (2007 U.S. Amateur Champion), who just turned pro, do well out here? He's a proud Texan who is going to have a lot of fan support as he makes his way around the course. He's obviously a great player and I think with all the people he'll have cheering for him, he's someone to watch as the week goes along.

PGA.com: What advice would you give any player, pro or amateur, before they played your course?

Shields: I'd offer two things: 1.) Put the ball in the fairway. It sounds obvious, but it's very true. 2.) Be careful with your reads on the greens. These greens have lots of subtle movements in them and if you're not careful, you can really struggle on finding the right lines.

PGA.com: Finally, everyone always hears things are bigger in Texas. If I came down to play, could you cut the holes about seven or eight inches wide for me?

Shields: [laughter]. We'll do whatever it takes to make you happy. We're also known for our hospitality, so come on down.