Is the Travelers Championship the biggest sporting event in Connecticut? Is it a smart play to try to drive the famous 15th hole? Know what the players will be facing this week as PGA Head Professional Jack Hunter talks about what we can expect from TPC River Highlands.

PGA.com: Connecticut has quite a golf history, but not that many people are aware of it. What should come to mind when I think Connecticut and golf.

Hunter: I'm not sure I've been here long enough to speak as an authority on golf in the state. But from what I've seen and experienced, golf is a major part of the Connecticut community. The courses here are beautiful, very scenic. You have it all, great conditions, the rolling hills and some dramatic elevation changes, it's a great state for golf.

PGA.com: Is this the biggest sports event in Connecticut? How would you gauge fan and community support?

Hunter: I'd say it's the biggest professional sports event. Some may argue that UCONN basketball is a top priority around here, but I'd have to say that we are the most anticipated professional sports event.

PGA.com: By today's standards, your course doesn't play particularly long. But it's not an "easy" course. Can you explain?

Hunter: If you look at the winning scores here, especially the last few years, you'll see that the winning scores represent great golf at a fair but tough layout. I think the lowest score over the last few years has been about 14 under. That's not particularly low on a non-major layout. Also, keep in mind, we are a par 70 course, so don't get too enamored with the yardage not reaching 7000 yards. There are enough doglegs, hazards, and thick rough to make this a real good test of golf. But the fact is, anyone who tees it up here has a legitimate chance of winning. It's not just about who hits it the furthest. I think that is one reason that so many players really enjoy the event.

PGA.com: If one of the TOUR players came to you and asked for your advice, what would you tell them?

Hunter: [laughter] I'd tell them to go ask someone else. I think the one bit of advice I could give those players is to not over read the greens. They don't break as much as they appear.

PGA.com: If an amateur player came to you, say a 15 handicap, what would you tell them about how to play your course?

Hunter: For that type of player, it is important that they play the right tees for their skill set. The rough is too thick and the layout is too demanding to not be on the right set of tees.

PGA.com: Hole no. 15 is one of the most anticipated and fun holes on the TOUR. A short driveable par 4 that can lead to great or miserable scores. How do you play the hole?

Hunter: It depends on where the flag is. If it's in the middle or back of the green, I'll usually take out my driver and go for the green. But if it's in the front, I'll lay up and try to have a full shot in. An up-front pin is really tough if you get up too close, with all the trouble around the green and the elevation of the green as well.