January 30, 2008 -- The Super Bowl is supposed to be the ultimate sporting event, but you might find a half million fans who would argue that it's not even the biggest even in Arizona this weekend. Just a few miles away from the big game is the big event, the PGA TOUR's FBR Open, the noisiest, rowdiest, and most attended event of the season. How does a golf course prepare for such a week when the entire sports universe is focused on this usually quiet region? We talked with PGA Head Professional Greg Wolf of the TPC Scottsdale about the course, the tournament, and the world's loudest golf hole.

PGA.com: Greg, just another quiet week in the desert for you guys, right?

Wolf: Yeah, pretty much. Not a whole lot going on other than the largest, loudest golf tournament of the season and a little football game down the street that's called The Super Bowl. So, yeah, nothing big at all. [laughter]

PGA.com: How are you guys preparing for the always large and raucous, but maybe this year more than ever, crowds?

Wolf: We've prepared like we do every year. We already have the largest galleries on the Tour and we'll have upwards of 500,000 people moving around the course throughout the week. Certainly, there could be some spillover effect but I'm sure we'll be able to accommodate the crowd like we always do. We all expect the crowds to start pouring in steadily all week, and especially Saturday, where the crowds will start coming in when the gates open and probably continue streaming in until late in the afternoon. On Sunday, I think the crowds might actually be a little less since some people might have tickets to the Super Bowl or will be making plans to watch. So we are aware and ready for the large crowds, but it's something we're well prepared to handle.

PGA.com: Okay, defend the title: "The Greatest Show on Grass"

Wolf: Okay, let's see: This golf tournament has a strong field. It's not a major-type field, but it's six of the top ten money leaders from last year I believe. We have, by far, the largest and loudest galleries for any golf tournament. The roars you hear from various spots during the tournament are just incredible. We have great weather and a great golf course. And of course, we have the 16th hole, the most entertaining and different golf atmosphere you'll find anywhere.

PGA.com: Last year you described the 16th hole as akin to a breakaway in overtime in the 7th game of the Stanley Cup Finals. Is it still that same adrenaline, year after year?

Wolf: Oh sure. I could talk about it forever but it wouldn't do the scene justice unless you are here to witness it. I've heard players say they think about that swing before they even take their first swing on the first hole. The creativity and the enthusiasm of the crowd is just legendary. They will do research on every player, things that the player might not even know or at least, may have forgotten. They will remind them of things from their high school days! They will give you the greatest adrenaline rush you've ever had if you hit a good shot. But geez, a bad swing, a missed green, or poor putt, that's just a recipe for some great abuse. The players enjoy it, you can see it in how many of them interact with the fans. I'm not sure they'd love it if it were something they faced every week, but for this one time, at this tournament, it's a great experience for everyone.

PGA.com: Can you tell us a little about the Thunderbirds and what they do for this tournament?

Wolf: The Thunderbirds is a local men's club that are greatly involved in civic and charity work. Pretty much, they run this tournament. We help out with merchandising and facilities of course, but they handle almost all the logistics from the volunteers to the players to media. I can tell you that they do great charity work all year long but just from last year's FBR, they were able to donate $7.8 million dollars to local charities. They are an impressive group.

PGA.com: Okay, final question. What would be worse this coming Sunday, missing the potential game winning field goal at the Super Bowl or missing the green at the 16th holding a one-shot lead?

Wolf: Well, it depends on who you ask, but I wouldn't want to be either guy. If you miss the kick in the Super Bowl, people are going to remember your name a lot longer. No one wants to be Ray Finkel.

PGA.com: Who?

Wolf: The Ace Ventura fans out there will get it. [laughter]