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Firm, fast and fiery. That was how a scorched Birkdale was expected to play this week after being turned into a golden hue by the British summer heatwave.
The brown fairways were anticipated to be bouncy and bumpy, with world number one Scottie Scheffler fearing "extreme conditions" which would lead to some "weird stuff" happening.
It turns out he was right. But the weird thing, in a sense, was the fact three players have equalled the lowest-ever score at a men's major.
Players insist the conditions are still challenging. Scotland's Robert MacIntyre says he has "never played a course as burnt out" and has been frustrated by shots bounding through fairways into the semi-rough.
"I thought it would be around about the scores we're scoring - it was always going to be difficult," MacIntyre told BBC Sport after Friday's second round.
For others, Birkdale has not been as fearsome as they thought. With a lack of wind on each morning, the early conditions have been relatively benign.
But when the breeze coming off the Irish Sea stiffens, and the overnight watering dries out, the afternoon starters have found conditions tougher.
"When there's not much wind, you definitely have a lot more chances," England's Alex Fitzpatrick told BBC Sport.
"If you find the fairways with no wind, you're not hitting too much in. But as soon as the wind picks up, you're hitting seven-iron from 150 yards, and suddenly you've got tough downwind holes.
"It is definitely a challenge. I did not see eight-unders out there."
When walking the course, it is noticeable fairway sprinklers have greener rings on the side where the wind blows the water.
The greens staff have only been watering the course in the mornings and evenings, meaning the early starters are able to use their spin and control to get closer to the flag on relatively scoreable greens.
"The pins this week have been fantastic, the greens are relatively flat with just subtle knobs and outcroppings," said former European Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson.
Several holes have been redesigned since the Open was last held here in 2017, including turning the par-four fifth into a driveable risk-reward chance and creating a brand-new long par-three 15th
Course architect Tom McKenzie says the intention was never to be too penal.
"I was out with the first group on Thursday morning and on the fifth, the first player laid up, the second drove green and the third drove through the green into the rubbish behind. I thought 'job done'," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"You're trying to test players, ask them questions and put doubt in their mind. Spectators want to see birdies, eagles and the odd mishap.
"Am I worried about low scores? Absolutely not. Great golf is great golf.
"When these guys are on song you just can't protect the course. I'd much rather low scores won rather than what we saw at the PGA Championship at Aronimink or the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, which I found pretty turgid."
