Erin Hills and The 2017 US Open Travel Guide

Erin Hills, located in the heart of Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine is the site of the 2017 US Open. After the USGA awarded the major, Erin Hills has been the buzz of the Badger State. If you are planning on attending the event or playing the course, here are some tips from a guy who lives a driver, nine iron away.

Getting There

The hardest part of your travels will be spotting the small wooden sign marking the entrance. The course and club house are tucked a mile off County Road O in the rolling terrain known as The Holy Hill area. So keen eyes will be needed the last stretch of your journey. Do not feel bad if you drive past it. On my first trek to the course, I drove past it 3 times. I was told the minimalistic entrance replicates the great courses in Ireland. Grand entrances and pearly gates are not needed when the golf course is that good.

For jet-setters, the largest and most convenient path is Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Your 45 minute drive will pass through the outskirts of Metro Milwaukee along Highway 894 and north on Highway 41.

Depending on your itinerary, travelers can entertain flying into Illinois' O'Hare International (ORD) or Madison's Dane County Regional Airport (MSN).

Ticket Sales

Tickets will go on sale after the 2016 US Open.

2017 US Open Volunteer Opportunities

The US Open will be in need of 5000+ volunteers. Information to volunteer will be available in late 2015.

Where To Stay

On site lodging is available for golfers and groups. The lodge offers bed and breakfast style rooms above the Irish pub. In addition, four cottages (each with 4 bedrooms) can accommodate up to 16 guys.

For those attending the US Open, those accommodations will not be available for the general public. For those looking for the closest hotel rooms should try hotels in Hartford, West Bend or Occonomowoc. If you want to be close to the venue you better book early. If you are booking your travels late, check for rooms in Milwaukee and a 60 mile radius from golf course including Madison, Fond du Lac, Waukesha, and Green Bay.

Rental Housing Available

Rental housing is now being posted online on craigslist and other vacation home rental websites. The leading site for event home rentals is www.eventhomes.com.

If you are looking to advertise your home for rent for the 2017 US Open. Please post on www.eventhomes.com. There is a free option or if you upgrade us promo code: golftrips for 30% off.

Traffic/Getting There

There are only a few rural roads that lead to the venue. The most popular/busiest routes will be Holy Hill Road/Highway 167 coming from the Northeast and Highway 83/164 from the South. I would encourage everyone to study a map for Northern and Western routes. While there are no major highways to Erin Hills, there is no rush hour or heavy traffic to contend with.

Please refer to the championship website in June 2017 to see where spectator parking will be and the recommended routes to those lots.

Terrain

The course is expansive rolling hills with long walls from green to tee. I strongly encourage wearing comfortable golf shoes.

Weather

June in Wisconsin is unpredictable and spectators should plan for all weather conditions. The temperatures can swing from mid 50's to the low 80's.

Visible/Kodak Moments

While Erin Hills features 18 signature holes, you will want to grab your camera or smartphone on the 18th tee box. The iconic clubhouse and historic Holy Hill Bascilla on the hill top in the distance backdrops the long par-5.

Playing The Course

Erin hills is a walking only course and not for the faint of heart. The walk is enjoyable but at times hilly. Caddies are strongly encouraged. Your walking buddy will not only read your putts and spot errant shot in the long fescue but he/she will lighten your load along the seven mile walk.