Erin Hills Golf Course Golf Course

— About

About Erin Hills Golf Course Golf Course

Erin Hills is a singular golf course — a massive, public links-style layout set on 600 acres of rolling Wisconsin glacial terrain that has no real American analogue outside of Bandon Dunes. Opened in 2006 and designed by Mike Shurdut, Ron Whitten, and Dana Fry, the course was built from the ground up on a tract of land purchased specifically to create a course worthy of major championship golf. Wide fescue fairways, natural native rough corridors, and expansive greens give the course an almost Scottish quality, with wind across the exposed ridgelines capable of turning a routine approach into a survival exercise. Erin Hills hosted the 2017 US Open, becoming the first Wisconsin venue to host a major — and Brooks Koepka's dominant 16-under winning score challenged the conventional wisdom that links-style venues with soft conditions cannot be set up for US Open difficulty. The course is walkable, caddie-friendly, and operated as a public facility — a rarity for a venue that has hosted the US Open. The first tee offers one of the most arresting views in Midwestern golf: wide, rolling terrain with no artificial intrusions, just Wisconsin hills and sky.

— History

History of Erin Hills Golf Course

Erin Hills was conceived by Bob Papke as a dedicated championship golf facility and was developed from scratch on glacial outwash terrain in Erin, Wisconsin between 2001 and 2006. Mike Shurdut, Ron Whitten, and Dana Fry designed the course specifically with US Open hosting in mind — wide fescue corridors, natural native rough, and expansive greens were all built to championship specification. The USGA awarded the course the 2017 US Open, which Brooks Koepka won with a dominant performance that challenged the belief that a links-style setup with generous fairways could not produce the difficulty associated with Open scoring.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at Erin Hills Golf Course

The par-4 15th is Erin Hills' most demanding hole — a long dogleg with a ridge-top tee offering panoramic views across the entire property before the fairway drops into a valley and climbs back to a green perched on a sandhill. The par-5 18th finishes back toward the barn clubhouse, with wide fescue corridors that appear accommodating but narrow considerably as the hole progresses. The par-3 8th, playing across a natural valley to a green ringed by native fescue, is a demanding short hole that encapsulates the course's links aesthetic.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Erin Hills Golf Course

May through October offers the most comfortable conditions in Wisconsin's continental climate, with summer temperatures typically in the 65–80°F range. The course is exposed and walking across 600 acres on hot, humid July days can be challenging — mornings are the most comfortable time. September is often the finest playing month, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing Erin Hills Golf Course

Erin Hills is a public facility with a caddie program — caddies are available and encouraged given the walking-only policy. Green fees range from USD 95 to 295 depending on the season. Book tee times through the Erin Hills website; weekends in summer fill up well in advance. The nearest major airport is Milwaukee (50 minutes) with Chicago O'Hare (90 minutes) as an alternative.

— Highlights

Why Play Erin Hills Golf Course

• ▸ Host of the 2017 US Open — Brooks Koepka's first major victory on a Wisconsin public course
• ▸ 600 acres of glacial Wisconsin terrain shaped into a genuine links-style layout
• ▸ Wide fescue corridors and natural rough demand accuracy over distance from every club
• ▸ Walkable public access with caddie program — US Open conditions available to all
• ▸ Panoramic ridge-top views across undulating glacial terrain with no neighbouring development

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Erin Hills Golf Course

How much does it cost to play Erin Hills?

Green fees range from USD 95 to 295 depending on season, with peak summer rates applicable from late May through September.

Is Erin Hills walking only?

Yes — Erin Hills is a walking-only facility. Caddies are available and strongly recommended. Push carts are also permitted for those who prefer not to hire a caddie.

When did Erin Hills host the US Open?

Erin Hills hosted the 2017 US Open, won by Brooks Koepka with a 16-under winning score — the lowest in relation to par at that time in US Open history.

How far is Erin Hills from Milwaukee?

Erin Hills is approximately 50 minutes west of Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport and about 90 minutes north of Chicago O'Hare.