ERIN HILLS GOLF COURSE
🇺🇸 Erin, WI, USA
Designed by Dana Fry, Dr. Michael Hurdzan
Erin Hills stands as a monument to bold ambition, a former glacial landscape transformed into a sprawling, walking-only experience in the rolling kettle moraine region of Wisconsin. The course, conceived in the early 2000s, is a modern interpretation of links-style golf, rewarding courageous shot-making and penalizing indecision with its unforgiving fescue grasses. Erin Hills does not favor a particular style of player, although length helps on its robust layout that tests players ability to control launch and spin.
Originally designed by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten, Erin Hills underwent significant modifications by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in preparation for the 2017 U.S. Open. This marked a significant moment, solidifying its place on the national stage and signifying the vision of owner Bob Lang's commitment. The fairways once felt tighter than a drum. But the design team worked with the USGA to create wider corridors while maintaining the challenge.
Erin Hills hosted the 2017 U.S. Open, where Brooks Koepka secured his first major championship victory. The course also hosted the 2011 U.S. Amateur, further establishing its pedigree in championship golf. While it continues to seek a regular place in the major championship rotation, its reputation for demanding championship golf persists, especially when the wind blows.
While not steeped in generations of tradition, Erin Hills has earned a place among the nation's most challenging and rewarding modern courses. It offers a pure, unadulterated golf experience – a true test of skill in a visually striking setting. The walk is tough, the conditions are often tougher, but the memories are forever. And if you are lucky, you’ll be able to snag a “caddie bite” from the halfway house, a course tradition that honors those who carry the clubs.
Reviews
My favorite golf course and experience of all time. Erin Hills is amazing. Beautiful, breathtaking, isolated, near-perfect. It is perfectly manicured and each individual I interacted with was arguably more kind than the previous one (a tall task). Caddie program there is fantastic as well. Each hole could and should be on a postcard, and each shot was truly a blast. The greens were fantastic. If I could only play one course the rest of my life, it would probably be Erin Hills. Sue me. Also… pro tip… after your round, hit the showers. But don’t do the ones in the main clubhouse. Go to the guest lodging off of 18, go downstairs, and enjoy. Amazing accommodations. Great water pressure. All the amenities. Golf heaven. Enjoy!
Amazing condition and every hole is extremely enjoyable.
A fantastic course that can be a long day. We had two great caddies for our foursome that helped us navigate. They cut the fescue in mid September which makes it less penal in the rough. There were some holes that just take your breath away. The greens are punishing if you aren’t accurate. I can see why they’d play a US Open here. You can’t have a Wisconsin trip and not play here, in my opinion.
Wear a hat, bring sunscreen, no hiding from the sun out there. The free canned gatorades and (not free) hot dogs are lifesavers out there. Can’t miss the greens or you’re looking at an awkward chip.
Demanding walk, holes move perfectly with the land.
Great layout with a very natural feel. The course keeps getting better each time they host a huge event. Both US and Women’s US Open have been here. Wide fairways bordered by tough fescue. Course can be as long as you want so pick the right tees. Very hard walk even with the great caddies so be ready. Make sure to save time for the putting course and a post round drink at the pub. Dinner is great but limited to those playing that day which is the only negative for me. Used to go have dinner there since we are local but no longer an option.
Absolutely pristine. One of the best public courses in the US - everything about this place is perfect. Practice facility, clubhouse, etc, a must play in WI.
The mecca
Played 2023 Wisconsin State Am. Course was in absolute pristine condition for the event. Best tournament I’ve ever competed at. 5 rounds from 7200+ was a grind and the walk is tough, but you’ll smile your way through because it’s an incredible golf course.
It’s a big ballpark, which I usually love. 2-3 absolutely fantastic golf holes, but the rest all blend together. Lots of blind shots, which is fine for everyday play, but not for a resort where people may only play once or twice. I think it’s worth playing once, but I think it’s the most overrated golf course in the United States.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Erin Hills at Erin Hills Golf Course has a Course Vaults score of 9 out of 10 based on 195 explicit golfer ratings.
Erin Hills was designed by Dana Fry and Dr. Michael Hurdzan.
Yes. Erin Hills at Erin Hills Golf Course is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Erin Hills is 72.
Erin Hills plays 7,731 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Erin Hills is 145.