How to Play Erin Hills: A Practical Guide to Wisconsin's U.S. Open Venue

Erin Hills is what happens when you combine glacial terrain, fescue grass and a dream of hosting the U.S. Open. Opened in 2006 and designed by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten, it sits in rolling glacial countryside about 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee. It hosted the 2011 U.S. Amateur, Brooks Koepka won the 2017 U.S. Open there, and the 2025 U.S. Women's Open went to Maja Stark. From the back, it stretches over 7,700 yards with a par of 72.

The course feels more like Ireland than the Midwest. Fescue fairways roll over natural hills, blind shots are part of the fun, and there are no paved cart paths. It's walking-only. If you enjoy a traditional, quiet atmosphere and a big-scale test of golf, this is a must-play. If you struggle with long carries over tall grass, you'll want to choose your tees carefully.

Before you go

• Walking is mandatory, and push carts are not allowed. You'll carry your bag or take a caddie. Golf carts are only available as an ADA accommodation, requested in advance.
• Book a caddie. Caddies aren't required but are strongly recommended. With blind shots and a big, rolling property, they're invaluable for lines and reads.
• Check the season. Wisconsin's golf season is short. Erin Hills typically operates from roughly early May to mid-October, and summer dates fill quickly.
• Choose tees wisely. Most mid-handicappers will enjoy something in the 6,000 to 6,500 yard range. The forced carries and long holes from farther back can be punishing.
• Expect wind. The open terrain catches the breeze, and wind direction can change how holes play dramatically.
• Bring extra balls. The fescue roughs are thick and wispy, and finding balls in them can be hard. Your caddie will help, but expect to lose a few.

Hole-by-hole strategy

Hole 2: a short, tricky par 4

At around 360 yards from the back, the 2nd looks like a birdie chance, and it can be. But the green is blind from the tee, with a large bunkered hill guarding the right side and a narrow entrance to a small green. Long hitters may consider going for it with the wind behind, but the better play for most is a comfortable layup to a spot that gives you a full wedge and a clear look at the green.

Reading the land on the front nine

Erin Hills was routed over natural glacial terrain rather than heavily shaped ground, so expect uneven stances, hidden landing areas and fairways that tumble in more than one direction. The fairways are fine fescue and the greens are bentgrass, which means the ball runs out on the short grass but holds reasonably well on the putting surfaces. Before each blind tee shot, find the aiming pole or marker, pick a specific target beyond it and choose a club that finishes short of where the fairway pinches. On approaches from sidehill lies, aim a little toward the side of the slope the ball will curve away from, and take an extra club when the ball is above your feet.

Hole 9: the domed par 3

The 9th is a short par 3, around 165 yards from the back, and one of the course's signature holes. The green is surrounded by sand and fescue and falls away in nearly every direction, a cross between a reverse Redan and a dome. The pin can tempt you, but the center of the green is always the smart target. A miss off the edge often leaves an awkward recovery.

Hole 12: the double dogleg

The 12th is a par 4 of around 465 yards from the back that bends twice through natural terrain, funneling shots downhill between hills. It's widely considered the best par 4 on the course. Wind makes a huge difference. Into the wind, reaching the crest of the fairway is tough; downwind, you may have a short iron in. Plan your tee shot to give yourself a level lie and a clear view of the green.

Hole 14: the false-front par 5

The 14th is a very long par 5, over 600 yards from the back, with one of the most distinctive greens on the course. A large false front and a deep bunker short guard the putting surface, and the green itself is steeply sloped. Lay up to a distance where you can fly the false front comfortably with a wedge. Around the green, be creative: sometimes using the back slope to bring the ball down toward the flag is the best option.

Hole 16: the uphill par 3

This par 3, around 200 yards from the back, plays uphill into a shallow bowl with a partially hidden green and bunkers you can't see from the tee. The green is deep, so distance control matters. Take an extra club for the uphill climb and aim for the middle. Lag putting is critical here.

Hole 18: the long finish

The closing par 5 is enormous, around 660 yards from the back, and can play into the wind. It doglegs left late, with raised bunkers guarding the green and slopes that feed balls into fescue. For mid-handicappers, it's a three-shot hole at minimum. Focus on keeping each shot in the short grass, and plan your third so you're approaching from a comfortable distance.

Scoring tips for mid-handicappers

• Stay out of the fescue. The tall rough is the biggest threat to your score. Club down off the tee when the fairway narrows.
• Trust your caddie's lines on blind shots. Commit to the target and make a confident swing. Second-guessing leads to poor contact.
• Play for the middle of greens. Many greens are large and contoured, and getting on the surface is the main goal.
• Use the ground. The fescue fairways run firm. Bump-and-run shots and putting from off the green are reliable choices.
• Pace yourself on the walk. It's a long, hilly walk. Eat and hydrate early so you have energy for the closing stretch.
• Manage expectations. This is a U.S. Open course. A few bogeys are part of the deal. Focus on avoiding doubles.

Erin Hills is a big, beautiful, old-fashioned walk. Play the right tees, stay out of the fescue and take a caddie, and you'll understand why it ranks among the best public courses in America.