Erin Hills

Erin Hills golf course overview

Erin Hills is a sprawling links-style course set on over 600 acres of glacial landforms in rural Wisconsin. Defined by dramatic ridges, deep fescue, and blow-out bunkers, it provides an open but punishing environment that hosted the 2017 U.S. Open. The site relies on natural contours rather than artificial trees or water hazards to create difficulty.

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How to score better at Erin Hills

Success depends on finding the wide but essential landing zones to avoid nomadic lies in the thick fescue. Players must account for heavy winds that frequently sweep across the exposed landscape, often requiring one or two extra clubs on approach shots. Many greens are elevated or protected by deep collection areas, making the ground game a viable but risky option.

Nearby courses include Lac La Belle.

How Erin Hills should actually be played

Success depends on finding the wide but essential landing zones to avoid nomadic lies in the thick fescue. Players must account for heavy winds that frequently sweep across the exposed landscape, often requiring one or two extra clubs on approach shots. Many greens are elevated or protected by deep collection areas, making the ground game a viable but risky option. This is the defining strategy for Erin Hills. Golfers who commit to this approach consistently score better here.

What makes Erin Hills tricky

Scorecards are typically made or broken on the par fives, which offer the best opportunities for birdie if the fairway is found. Because of the course's massive scale, par is a high-value score on the long par fours that often play into the prevailing wind. Minimizing three-putts on the large, undulating green complexes is critical for maintaining a decent round.

Who will enjoy Erin Hills

Erin Hills suits golfers who want to improve their scoring through better decision-making. Mid handicap players benefit most from playing conservatively, while lower handicap golfers can take advantage of scoring opportunities when they are clearly available.

Where most golfers lose shots at Erin Hills

The most common error is aggressive play from the fescue, which often leads to lost balls or hack-outs that advance the ball only a few yards. Golfers frequently underestimate the severity of the green-side run-offs, leading to repetitive chips from one side of the green to the other. Ignoring the wind direction on tee shots can result in the ball drifting into blind bunkers hidden behind ridgelines.

Scoring Zone strategy for Erin Hills

On a typical 400-yard par 4 at Erin Hills, the goal should be simple: two controlled shots. You don't need a perfect drive — you need a repeatable position that allows you to play your next shot with confidence.

Erin Hills rewards discipline and clear decision-making. Practice long-range lag putting and low-trajectory chips before your round to handle the firm, fast conditions. Ensure you are physically prepared for a long walk, as the course is walking-only and features significant elevation changes throughout the 18 holes. Identify where the 'miss' is on every hole, as the penal nature of the bunkers often makes a greenside scramble nearly impossible.

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Location

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