Erin Hills embraces the tradition and simplicity of pure golf. From the moment you arrive, the experience is centered around the game itself—no over-the-top luxury, just world-class golf in its most authentic form. The lodging is intentionally limited, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering a comfortable yet understated stay that reflects the character of the course. There’s no spa, no gimmicky par three, no distractions—just a championship-caliber course designed for those who appreciate the strategy, challenge, and beauty of the game.

Erin Hills is a rollercoaster of elevation, fescue, and sand—equal parts stunning and punishing. The undulations, shaped by the Kettle Moraine terrain, create a course that feels like it was dropped perfectly into place by nature itself. Fairways roll and dip in ways that can help or hurt, depending on where your ball lands. And then there’s the fescue—tall, golden, and absolutely unforgiving. It’s the kind of rough that looks beautiful from a distance but will swallow your ball whole if you’re not careful. Just ask guys like Lee Westwood, John Rahm, and Kevin Na, who were so fed up with it before the U.S. Open that they literally had it mowed down.
But the real teeth of Erin Hills? The bunkers. Over 130 of them. Deep erosion bunkers, sneaky fairway traps, and the infamous finger bunkers guarding the par-3 9th like a fortress. The 18th hole? Good luck finding a safe landing spot—it’s lined with bunkers just waiting to wreck a great round at the finish line. Erin Hills doesn’t just test your game; it dares you to take it on.

Erin Hills once featured a unique blind par 3, inspired by the famous Dell Hole at Lahinch Golf Club. This hole required players to trust their shot completely, aiming over a natural ridge with no view of the green—just a marker to guide them that moved everyday. It was a true throwback to classic links golf, adding an element of mystery and tradition to the course. However, in preparation for the 2017 U.S. Open, the hole was removed to improve playability and enhance spectator sightlines. While its absence helped shape Erin Hills into a championship-ready venue, the memory of this distinctive hole still lingers for those who played it.

The finishing stretch at Erin Hills is as tough as they come. The 16th, a birdie-able par 3, features a two-tiered, bowl-shaped green, but don’t be fooled—miss the right tier and you’ll walk away empty-handed. Next, you face the 17th, a straightaway par 4 that, though free of bunkers, stretches out to a daunting 481 yards, keeping you on edge with every swing. And just when you think you’ve made it through unscathed, there’s the 18th—a par 5 that demands everything you’ve got. You might remember this hole from Justin Thomas’ record-breaking 63, but make no mistake—it’s a true test of nerves and strategy. It’s a finishing hole that’ll have you questioning every decision you’ve made throughout the round. If you’re still standing and holding it together after this stretch, you’ve truly earned your score.