Erin Hills Course
Erin, WI, USA
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.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #44
Best in USA
Public: #14
Best in WI
Public: #2
Golfers say Erin Hills delivers an exceptional experience with pristine conditioning, stunning natural beauty, and top-tier hospitality that extends from the caddie program to the clubhouse amenities. Most praise the course's dramatic routing across the expansive property, noting breathtaking holes that flow naturally with the land, though some find the layout features too many blind shots and a few holes that blend together. Reviewers consistently note the walk is demanding due to the hilly terrain, but emphasize the excellent caddie service helps navigate the challenge. The greens draw mixed feedback—some find them punishing if you miss, while a few encountered slower speeds—and the wide fairways bordered by fescue (cut down in fall) offer strategic interest. Nearly all consider it a must-play Wisconsin destination and among the best public courses in the U.S., though one dissenter calls it overrated, and some mention that dinner is now restricted to same-day players.
9.0
474 players
Total golf experience. Tremendous course capable of a US Open. The ladies doing cartwheels when a drive ended up in the fairway was a nice touch. Overnight cabins are insanely nice. Lighted putting green amazing and caddie barn a blast. And we saw JJ and TJ Watt!
Great golf course, not worth the price you pay to play
incredible course. best way to describe it is majestic. feel like you are in a field of dreams when there. we stayed in the old barn down by the putting green & 1st tee and it is such a classic / classy experience. the course is a 10/10. challenging bunkers and elevation, with plenty of runoff areas on greens that makes approach shots difficult.
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.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Erin Hills has a Course Vaults score of 9.0 out of 10 based on 212 explicit golfer ratings.
Erin Hills was designed by Dana Fry and Dr. Michael Hurdzan.
Yes. Erin Hills 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.
