Actually when the Ryder Cup was played at Kiawah Island (the Ocean Course) back in 1991 they played the course at about 7100 yards. The course can stretch to 7900 yards but has never been used at that length for a PGA or LPGA event to my knowledge. I generally play it about about 7200 yards when I play there. You have to get permission to play from father back than that, there are 5 sets of tees I think. I have played a few holes from the 'tips', some of them such as # 12 are so far back that I can't get to the fairway, it is sort of embaressing to have to lay up to the white tees. BPB and the Ocean Course are very difficult, personally I don't think that a number of holes on BPB are fair on this game, when you have to hit a 3 wood and hope it runs throught the rough or a trap, it isn't a fair shot. The fact that the USGA moved the tees up during the 09 Open just shows that when the fairways are firm and able to get a good roll, then the course can't be played correctly. If you have ever played a USGA course just before or after an event, you will marvel at how much longer you are because of the firm fairways that are cut so low, they don't do that for normal play because of the damage it can cause. When I played at St. Andrews, the fairways were firm and short, it was the summer and a well struck 2 iron could go over 300 yards with a little draw. For my money the most difficult Open course still is Shinnecock Hills out on Long Island.