I think the most important factors in determining how tough a course might play (in regular conditions...ie. no 6" rough or 22 yard wide fairways) are firmness of the greens, pin locations and tees.

For Thursday's first round Whistling Straits played just about as easy as it can. The greens were quite accessible; many of the pin positions were quite easy to get at, and several of the toughest holes were played from the forward tees.

I still believe, in the right playing conditions, even without winds, this course just may be the toughest course these guys have ever played.