Erin Hills
Erin Hills Golf Course, located in the rolling hills of Erin, Wisconsin, is celebrated for its natural beauty and challenging layout. This public golf course, which opened in 2006, gained prominence by hosting the U.S. Open in 2017, a testament to its quality and the challenge it presents. The course was designed by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten, and it was built with the philosophy of minimal environmental impact, utilizing the natural contours of the land to define the course's character.
Erin Hills is a par-72 course that stretches over 7,800 yards from the championship tees, making it one of the longest courses to host a U.S. Open. The course features a links-style layout, with rolling fairways, rugged bunkers, and challenging greens, all set against the backdrop of Wisconsin's beautiful Kettle Moraine region. The design emphasizes the natural topography, with the course routing moving through natural dunes and tall fescue grasses that accentuate the links feel.
One of the standout features of Erin Hills is its variability with the wind, which can dramatically alter the playability from one day to the next, adding an extra layer of challenge. The course's natural hazards, including its bunkers and wind-shaped hills, require strategic thinking and precise execution.
Signature holes are abundant at Erin Hills, with the 9th, a par-3, and the 18th, a challenging par-5, being particularly notable. The 9th hole features a dramatic downhill tee shot to a green surrounded by natural amphitheater-like dunes, while the 18th hole offers a risk-reward finish where players can choose to lay up before a creek or go for the green in two, challenging the creek and the deep bunkers surrounding the green.
The greens at Erin Hills are known for their firmness and speed, which, combined with the undulating design, make for a true test of one's putting skills. The course's maintenance practices are focused on sustainability, preserving the native prairie grasses that contribute to the course's aesthetic and challenge.
Erin Hills' clubhouse and facilities reflect the rustic charm of the surrounding landscape, with accommodations and dining options designed to provide comfort and luxury amidst the natural beauty. The service is attentive, and the amenities, including a top-tier practice facility, enhance the overall golf experience.
Playing at Erin Hills is more than just a round of golf; it's an immersive experience in a spectacular natural setting that challenges golfers at every level, making it a destination for those who seek a demanding yet beautiful game of golf.