Erin Hills Golf Course in Hartford, Wisconsin, is a championship links-style course located 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee that hosted the 2017 U.S. Open and will host the 2025 U.S. Women's Open.
This walking-only facility offers a complete golf resort experience with green fees ranging from $375-$455, on-site lodging, and unique amenities like an illuminated putting course and exclusive five-hole loop for overnight guests.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about playing this world-class golf destination, from strategic course insights and accommodation options to booking details and what makes this 7,735-yard championship course one of America's most challenging public golf experiences.
Course Overview and What Makes Erin Hills Special
Erin Hills stands apart from typical American golf courses through its authentic links-style design carved from 652 acres of glacial kettle moraine terrain in Washington County, Wisconsin.
The course sits at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level—400 feet higher than nearby Lake Michigan—creating unique playing conditions and dramatic elevation changes that define the championship experience.
The course earned its reputation by hosting major championships, including the 2017 U.S. Open and the upcoming 2025 U.S. Women's Open Championship.
This championship pedigree reflects the course's ability to challenge the world's best players while remaining accessible to skilled amateurs.
Architectural Excellence Designers Dr. Michael John Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten adopted a minimalist philosophy that lets the natural glacial landscape dictate the golf holes.
Rather than forcing artificial features onto the land, the architects allowed the course to emerge organically from the existing terrain.
The result is a par 72 layout stretching 7,735 yards with bent grass greens and fine fescue fairways that require minimal water and naturally go dormant during dry periods.
The Walking-Only Experience
Since 2010, Erin Hills operates as a walking-only facility, a policy that fundamentally changes how you experience the course.
This approach enhances the links-style authenticity and forces players to truly engage with the terrain's natural contours and strategic challenges.
Only two ADA-compliant carts are available on property, reserved on a first-come basis with advance notice required.
The course's elevation and varied glacial composition of sand and rock create playing surfaces that reward firm, running shots when conditions are dry.
Golf Digest recognizes this unique combination by ranking Erin Hills as the 49th greatest course overall in America and the 10th best public course, cementing its status as a must-play destination for serious golfers.
Playing Erin Hills – Costs, Policies, and What to Expect
Playing Erin Hills requires significant financial commitment, but the championship experience justifies the premium pricing.
Green fees for 2025 range from $455 during peak season (June 7 through September 28) to $375 in shoulder season (September 29 through October 18).
Active or retired military personnel with 20-year service receive substantial discounts at $265, while juniors pay $195 with valid pre-high school graduation status.
Caddie Services Are Essential
Caddies aren't just recommended at Erin Hills—they're practically mandatory given the course's strategic complexity and challenging terrain.
The base service fee is $55 per caddie, with a suggested gratuity of $75. For groups of three or more, forecaddie service costs $55 total with a $35 per player suggested tip.
These experienced caddies provide invaluable course knowledge about wind patterns, green complexes, and optimal landing areas that can save multiple strokes during your round.
Equipment and Time Planning
TaylorMade rental sets are available for $85 per player, though serious golfers should consider shipping their own clubs to avoid airline baggage fees.
Plan for a 4-hour and 55-minute round, which reflects both the walking-only policy and the strategic thinking required on each hole.
This extended playing time allows you to fully appreciate the course's nuances without feeling rushed.
Cart Policy and Accessibility
The strict walking policy includes limited exceptions for ADA compliance.
Only two designated golf carts exist on property, available first-come, first-served for guests with qualifying disabilities.
You must request cart access at least two weeks before your tee time and provide proper documentation under the ADA Guest Cart Policy.
Dress Code Standards
Players must maintain neat appearance with collared golf shirts featuring traditional fold-down, raised crew neck, or mock turtleneck collars that clearly distinguish them from t-shirts.
Bermuda-length shorts are required—no denim allowed anywhere on property. Metal spikes are prohibited, so ensure you have soft spikes or spikeless golf shoes for the fescue playing surfaces.
Strategic Course Layout and Key Holes to Watch
Erin Hills challenges players through three distinct elements that separate it from conventional championship courses: the dramatic terrain slopes that dictate ball movement, strategically placed bunkers designed to instill fear, and ever-changing wind conditions that can transform hole strategy mid-round.
Unlike many modern courses, Erin Hills features no out-of-bounds markers, water hazards, or forced carries—the difficulty comes from precision and course management.
Opening Hole Strategy
The first hole appears straightforward but immediately tests your decision-making.
The shortest route to the green requires driving close to wetlands on the left side of the fairway, rewarding aggressive play with better approach angles.
The small green slopes from front to back, making pin position crucial for approach shots.
This opening sets the tone for the strategic thinking required throughout your round.
The Driveable Second Hole
Hole two presents the ultimate risk-versus-reward scenario as the shortest par-4 on the course.
In favorable wind conditions, long hitters can reach the green in one shot, but the target is the smallest putting surface at Erin Hills with a pronounced front-to-back slope.
Missing this tiny green leaves difficult recovery shots, making club selection and commitment level critical decisions.
Signature Par-3 Challenge
The shortest hole on the course drops approximately 25 feet from tee to green, but don't let the yardage fool you.
Seven deep bunkers protect the exposed putting surface, and wind exposure makes club selection extremely difficult.
The elevation change creates optical illusions that can lead to significant distance miscalculations.
The Demanding 18th Finish
The closing par-5 demands three shots even from the longest hitters, featuring 25 strategically placed bunkers including one positioned in the middle of the fairway roughly 120 yards from the green.
This mid-fairway hazard forces precise layup positioning and adds mental pressure to an already challenging finishing hole.
Fairway Positioning Philosophy
While Erin Hills offers generally wide fairways, success depends on hitting precise spots off the tee to achieve proper approach angles for each day's pin positions.
The course rewards players who can visualize landing areas and commit to specific targets rather than simply avoiding trouble.
You must pick your spot and execute with conviction to gain advantages for approach shots to challenging green complexes.
Accommodations and Stay & Play Options
Erin Hills transforms your golf trip into a complete resort experience through carefully curated accommodations that mirror the course's Irish links heritage.
The Lodge captures authentic Irish country inn ambiance with antique furnishings, Egyptian linens, and down comforters creating simple elegance after challenging rounds on the course.
Cottage Experience
Four-bedroom cottages offer the ultimate golf retreat, positioned just steps from the final green.
Each cottage features private bathrooms for all guests, antique furnishings that maintain the Irish aesthetic, and modern technology to keep you connected.
These cottages work perfectly for golf groups seeking privacy and space to relive the day's memorable shots and missed opportunities.
Resort Fee Structure
A 7% resort fee applies to all accommodations but delivers substantial value through included services.
This fee covers valet parking, professional luggage handling, overnight golf club storage, evening access to the Caddie Barn, and most importantly, exclusive playing privileges on the Kettle Loop course.
Stay & Play Value
Overnight guests who pay for a full round become eligible for significantly discounted second rounds.
During shoulder season (September 29 through October 18), the second round costs just $190 compared to the standard $375 green fee—representing substantial savings for golf enthusiasts wanting maximum course time.
Exclusive Kettle Loop Access
The Kettle Loop represents Erin Hills' most unique amenity: a five-hole course carved from the existing 18-hole layout and reserved exclusively for overnight guests.
Introduced in 2018, this shorter course perfect for late-afternoon play when you don't have time for a full round or want additional practice after your main round.
While there's no green fee for Kettle Loop access, a $40 minimum gratuity is suggested.
Booking Timeline and Availability
Erin Hills currently accepts reservations for both 2025 and 2026 seasons, with 2026 rates to be announced in fall 2025.
The combination of limited accommodations and high demand from serious golfers makes advance booking essential, particularly during peak summer months when weather conditions are most favorable for the fescue playing surfaces.
Dining, Entertainment, and Unique Course Amenities
Erin Hills extends the championship experience beyond golf through carefully designed dining venues and entertainment options that complement the Irish links atmosphere.
The clubhouse provides two distinct dining environments: an outdoor porch offering panoramic views across the rolling Kettle Moraine terrain and an indoor space featuring cathedral ceilings and a dramatic two-story stone fireplace that creates intimate gathering spaces for post-round discussions.
Dining Schedule and Access Policy
The clubhouse operates on structured hours designed around golf schedules: breakfast from 6am to 10:30am for early tee times, lunch service from 11am to 4pm, and dinner from 5pm to 9:30pm.
However, access requires either a tee time or lodging reservation—casual dining visits aren't permitted, ensuring the facilities remain focused on the golf experience.
Irish Pub & Terrace Experience
The Irish Pub creates the perfect environment for replaying your round while sampling carefully curated selections of beer, scotch, and wine.
The adjacent brick terrace features gas fire pits overlooking the first hole, allowing you to watch other players begin their rounds while you unwind from yours.
The pub's signature cocktail, the “Fescue Rescue,” blends equal parts Jameson and ginger beer with lime—a drink specifically designed to soothe both errant drives and calloused hands from the walking-only experience.
After-Dark Entertainment
The illuminated Drumlin putting course transforms evening entertainment at Erin Hills into something truly unique.
This specialized putting layout operates after dusk, providing a fun way to work on your short game or simply enjoy friendly competition under the lights.
Multiple reviews highlight this amenity as a standout feature that adds unexpected value to the overnight experience.
Exclusive Amenities for Overnight Guests
Beyond standard resort offerings, Erin Hills provides unique touches that enhance the championship atmosphere.
Evening access to the Caddie Barn gives overnight guests additional time to prepare equipment and strategy, while the terrace fire pits create natural gathering spots where golf stories evolve into lasting memories.
These thoughtful details reflect the resort's understanding that great golf experiences extend well beyond the final putt.
Planning Your Visit – Location, Travel, and Booking Details
Erin Hills occupies an ideal location at 7169 County Road O, Hartford, Wisconsin, positioned strategically for golfers from major Midwest cities.
The course sits just 35 minutes northwest of downtown Milwaukee and 50 minutes from Milwaukee's airport, making it easily accessible for fly-in golf trips.
Chicago golfers can reach Erin Hills in approximately 2 hours from O'Hare Airport, while Madison visitors need just one hour of driving time.
Aviation Access Options
Serious golfers flying private aircraft have convenient options near the course.
Hartford Airport (HXF) sits just 15 minutes away with a 3,000-foot runway suitable for smaller aircraft, while Waukesha Airport (KUES) offers a longer 5,848-foot runway located 25 minutes from the course.
These airports provide direct access without dealing with commercial airline hassles.
Club Transportation Solutions
Erin Hills offers comprehensive club shipping services that eliminate airline baggage fees and travel complications.
You can ship your clubs directly to the course before arrival, and they'll handle return shipping to your home after your visit.
This service proves particularly valuable given the walking-only policy—you want clubs that fit your game perfectly for such a demanding test.
Reservation Process
Call 866-772-4769 to speak with reservationists about availability for both 2025 and 2026 seasons.
While online calendars provide general information, phone reservations ensure you get accurate availability and can discuss specific accommodation preferences.
The resort plans to announce 2026 rates during fall 2025, so early booking may offer pricing advantages.
Weather Strategy and Seasonal Considerations
Wind conditions dramatically impact play strategy at Erin Hills, unlike the calm conditions experienced during the 2017 U.S. Open.
You should prepare for variable wind that can change club selections by 2-3 clubs and alter hole strategies completely.
The fine fescue fairways perform best when kept firm and dry, providing maximum roll and authentic links-style conditions.
Optimal Playing Seasons
The fescue playing surfaces naturally go dormant during dry periods, which actually enhances the links experience through firmer conditions and increased roll.
Peak season runs from June through September when weather conditions are most predictable, though shoulder season play in late September and October often provides ideal temperatures with fewer crowds and reduced green fees.
Conclusion
Erin Hills delivers an authentic championship golf experience that combines world-class course design with comprehensive resort amenities, justifying its premium pricing through unmatched quality and service.
The walking-only policy, strategic challenges, and Irish-inspired accommodations create a golf destination that stands apart from typical American courses.
For serious golfers seeking a true test of skill in a resort setting, Erin Hills represents one of the Midwest's premier golf experiences worth the investment.
