Erin Hills

Weeks after visiting Erin Hills I still don’t know what to make of the experience. They say the course opened in 2006 but I’d like to see some records, some proof that this course was not always there, waiting for us. My mind was telling me it was present day but it sure felt like some other time in some other place.

Erin Hills opened in 2006 and has been steadily marching up all the lists of top courses in the country. Erin Hills has the unique distinction of being the only golf course to ever be awarded a USGA Championship before the course even opened. This championship was the 2008 Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship (open only to women who are not members of a private golf club). The USGA then went on to award Erin Hills with the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship which history suggests is a precursor to being awarded the U.S. Open.

Erin Hills sits on 652 acres and is located 35 miles Northwest of Milwaukee in the rolling terrain of Wisconsin. A second course is planned for the coming years. Erin Hills is owned by a man who is always willing to meet and speak with guests and is operated by a small group of people dedicated to providing the ultimate experience in golf and service. Erin Hills is so basic yet so brilliant. There is golf and a clubhouse which includes an Irish pub, small golf shop, locker rooms and seven rooms for accommodations. Erin Hills is golf in its pure form. There is no pool, no spa, no weddings, no kids play area, no corporate tournaments, no anything but golf and golf necessities.

Golf Course

Erin Hills ranges from 5,434 yards at the forward tees all the way back to 8,240 yards for the unmarked back tees. The course includes a “Bye” hole which is a par 3 hole between the front and back nines and allows the course flexibility in setting up for tournaments. Forecaddies are provided to each group and walking caddies are readily available if you prefer to enjoy Erin Hills on foot.

The holes roll with the natural ebb and flow of the land (only 4 of the 19 holes required the movement of earth during construction). The gentle contours left by glaciers all remain to create many uneven and challenging lies. The course is spread out and the rolling hills and sea of fescue alongside each of the holes create the feeling that the golfer is secluded on the holes. There is a paradox in the simultaneous rugged yet pristine conditions. Fairways and greens are immaculately groomed while the rough and sea of fescue almost look raw and untouched. The natural look and feel of the course is peaceful on the eyes and the senses.

The course is naturally spectacular in a way that the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls are naturally spectacular. It felt as if the course could have been there for thousands of years; as if it were simply unburied in some great archeological find.

Clubhouse

Complimenting the natural feel of the golf course is the Irish country inn style of the clubhouse. The locker rooms are located in the basement. The Irish pub, golf shop and small gathering rooms are located on the first floor and the guest rooms are located on the second and third floors. The patio in front of the clubhouse and the porch overlooking the course in back of the clubhouse are ideal places to relax and meet with fellow golfers to exchange stories or enjoy a drink or two.

The best kept secret of Erin Hills may be the seven guest rooms of various sizes that are available in the clubhouse. Each room is very well appointed and has its own bathroom. The guestrooms are excellent for golf groups because they allow golfers to relax after an afternoon round of golf in a casual and convenient environment and be ready to play the next morning. The guest rooms are also excellent options for travelers coming from several hours away and not wanting to drive home after their rounds.

The Irish pub serves breakfast, lunch and dinner so that guests are provided everything necessary to enjoy their visits to Erin Hills. The Irish pub is also a great place to gather after a round and even stays open at night until all overnight guests have retired to their rooms for the evening.

Accommodations for larger groups or events are available at The Delafield Hotel which is styled in the turn of the century tradition. The Delafield Hotel is located 25 miles South of Erin Hills in historic Delafield. Visit The Delafield Hotel at www.thedelafieldhotel.com.

What I liked about this course - I liked that in visiting Erin Hills, I didn’t feel like I was staying at a hotel or a resort. I felt like I was staying at a friend’s home. The convenience, service, friendliness of the staff and opportunities to meet fellow golfers all added to this perception. In addition, staying overnight in the Clubhouse ensures that your bed is no more than an 8-iron away from the first tee and breakfast is no more than a medium-length putt away.

I would like to thank Bob Lang, owner, and Suzanne Schroeder, as well as everyone else at Erin Hills for their time and hospitality. I witnessed golfer after golfer explain that they enjoyed the golf and the entire experience. I agree. Erin Hills is a fulfilling golf experience, from the golf course itself to the Irish country inn style accommodations. I look forward to returning soon.

Note that Erin Hills will close early for the season on October 5, 2008 to make enhancements to the course in preparation for the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship.

Chris

Check out the Erin Hills and their end of season specials at www.erinhills.com

Erin Hills
7169 County Hwy O
Hartford, WI 53027
1-866-724-8822
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