Erin Hills
A vast, treeless fescue links rolling over Wisconsin's glacial moraine — a purely public course where anyone can walk the same fairways that decided the 2017 U.S. Open.
Erin Hills in photos
Can I play Erin Hills?
Yes — Erin Hills is fully public with no memberships, so anyone can book a tee time directly. It's a walking-only fescue links spread across glacial kettle-moraine terrain, and it famously hosted the 2017 U.S. Open. There's no handicap requirement, though the sheer length and native grasses make it a serious test.
How to book: Reserve online or by phone (866-772-4769); the club takes bookings well in advance, currently for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Overnight guests staying in the on-site lodging get discounted replay rounds. There are no twilight rates, and carts are essentially unavailable except by prior ADA arrangement.
About Erin Hills
Opened in 2006 by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry and golf writer Ron Whitten, Erin Hills was routed with minimal earth-moving across dramatic kettle-moraine ridges northwest of Milwaukee. In 2017 it became the first individually owned course to host a men's U.S. Open, won by Brooks Koepka at a record 16-under, and it staged the U.S. Women's Open in 2025. Yet it has always been resolutely public and walking-only, with fescue-lined fairways, huge greens and constant wind demanding thoughtful, ground-game golf. For traveling golfers it delivers a genuine championship experience with none of the private-club barriers.
Signature hole
The short, tumbling par-3 9th and the mammoth par-5 18th are unforgettable, but the treeless, wind-exposed routing over natural glacial ridges is the real star.
What makes it special
U.S. Open pedigree
Play the very course where Brooks Koepka set the U.S. Open scoring record in 2017.
No members, no barriers
It's fully public — book directly, no handicap or introduction required.
Pure walking links
Natural glacial terrain and fescue make every round a caddie-guided, cart-free walk.
Tournament pedigree
- U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links (2008)
- U.S. Amateur (2011)
- U.S. Open (2017)
- U.S. Mid-Amateur (2022)
- U.S. Women's Open (2025)
Need to know
Best time to play
May through October; June to September offers the firmest fescue and best weather, while spring and autumn bring cooler, windier links conditions and shoulder-season pricing.
Dress code
Collared shirts and appropriate golf attire; no denim. Soft spikes.
Good to know
Walking only, with caddies and forecaddies available and recommended — plan on close to five hours. The fescue rough is penal, so play to the generous fairways and keep it in play rather than chasing distance.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Milwaukee (MKE) ~45 min; Chicago O'Hare (ORD) ~2 hrs.
On arrival
Erin Hills lies in the Town of Erin in Washington County, about 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee. It's an easy 45-minute drive from Milwaukee's airport via US-41/45 and country roads; a rental car is the practical option as the course sits in rural farmland.
Stay near the course
The course offers on-site lodging (guest rooms and cottages) that comes with replay discounts and an immersive stay-and-play feel. Otherwise base in Milwaukee or nearby Hartford, roughly 20–45 minutes away.
Search hotels near Erin HillsPlan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Erin — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Erin.
Explore ErinFrequently asked questions
Is Erin Hills open to the public?
Yes, entirely — there are no memberships, and anyone can book a tee time directly by phone or online.
How much does it cost to play Erin Hills?
Green fees run roughly $395 in the shoulder season to about $495 at peak, plus an optional caddie fee of about $65. Rates are per round and seasonal.
Do I need a handicap or do I have to walk?
No handicap is required, but Erin Hills is walking-only — you'll walk with a caddie or forecaddie, as carts are only available by ADA arrangement.
When is the best time to play?
June through September for the firmest turf and warmest weather; spring and autumn are cooler and windier but come with lower shoulder-season rates.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.