Local Knowledge: 2011 Deutsche Bank Championship

NORTON, Mass. -- Hurricane Irene swept through New England last weekend and didn't spare many.

TPC Boston - host of this week's Deutsche Bank Championship, the second leg of the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedExCup - had around 3 ½ inches of rain and about 50-60 trees knocked down when all was said and done.

But as TPC Boston PGA Head Professional David Corrado explains, the crew did a fantastic job cleaning up and the tournament will go off as scheduled beginning Friday.

Now, Corrado tells us, we can focus on the golf, and players like native New Englander and newly crowned PGA Champion Keegan Bradley.

PGA.com: Thanks for joining us, David. First things first -- New England got crushed by Hurricane Irene on Sunday. What, if any, havoc did that cause at TPC Boston? Will we notice any of the aftermath once the tournament begins Friday?

Corrado: Irene certainly made her impact at TPC Boston as it did over much of New England. During the storm, approximately 50-60 trees were knocked down due to the extreme winds and the golf course took on around 3.5 inches of rain. Tom Brodeur, Golf Course Superintendent, and his team have done an outstanding job removing the downed trees and debris. The golf course is already in great condition and certainly will be ready for the tournament rounds come Friday.

PGA.com: The weather looks pretty much perfect for this week with comfortable temperatures in the forecast. That makes a great spectator-experience even better, doesn't it?

Corrado: Yes, the weather report is in our favor now that we are past Irene. It should be a great week for the spectators and Tour players to enjoy a true New England end to summer at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

PGA.com: I guess it's safe to say that Dustin Johnson enters this week as the pre-tournament favorite, having won last week's Barclays. He tied for 57th last year, but tied for fourth in 2009. Based on his five Tour wins and counting by the age of 27, do you think there's a better young gun in the field this week?

Corrado: Dustin Johnson has certainly shown his abilities as one of the great young talents on Tour. There are certainly a number of great young players contending on a weekly basis. I believe the mix of young talent and many great veterans on Tour makes each week really exciting. With a number of great players in the field, young and old alike, it could be a free for all come Monday as the best in the world try to capture the Deutsche Bank Championship trophy.

PGA.com: I'd be a fool not to ask you about Keegan Bradley. A good 'ol New England boy with two wins in his rookie season, including a major. This is his first start in the Deutsche Bank Championship. What do you think the atmosphere will be like around Keegan?

Corrado: I'm sure Keegan will draw quite a crowd during the Championship. He is a very likable young man and certainly New England natives love to root on their own. It should be an exciting week for Keegan and his many fans in the area.

PGA.com: What has been your favorite part about hosting a PGA Tour playoff event?

Corrado: There's a lot to enjoy about hosting a PGA Tour playoff event. The buzz that's created not only at the golf course but around the area is something special to be a part of. Exposing so many people to the game of golf, hopefully peaking their interest and getting them into the game is also key. Most importantly in the end, this event raises a lot of money for charity in the local community. Knowing we are creating an enjoyable experience for so many while helping those in need at the same time is a great feeling.