Okay, so I finally got around to playing Erin Hills, and let me tell you, it was an experience. I’d heard so much about this place, seen the pictures, watched the U.S. Open there, and I just had to see it for myself.
First things first, I did some digging online. Found a few reviews, checked out their website, you know, the usual pre-golf trip stuff. I wanted to get a feel for the course layout, the difficulty, and what kind of shape it was in. I also looked for any tips or advice from other players.
Getting There and First Impressions
The drive up was pretty straightforward. Once I got off the main highway, it was a nice, scenic route through the Wisconsin countryside. And then, boom, you see the course. It’s just…huge. Rolling hills, fescue grass everywhere, it really does look like it was plucked straight out of Ireland or Scotland.
I checked in at the pro shop – super friendly staff, by the way. Grabbed a yardage book, because, let’s be honest, I needed all the help I could get. I also made the very smart, very important decision of hiring a caddie. best decision I ever made!
Hitting the Range (and Trying Not to Embarrass Myself)
Before teeing off, I spent some time at the driving range. It’s a massive practice area, with plenty of room to warm up. I was mostly just trying to loosen up and, you know, not completely shank my first drive in front of everyone.
The Course Itself: A Beautiful Beast
Okay, so the course. It’s tough. I mean, really tough. The fairways are wide, but if you miss them, you’re in that thick fescue, and good luck finding your ball, let alone hitting a decent shot out of it. And the greens? Fast and undulating. I felt like I was putting on a rollercoaster sometimes.
- Hole 1: Started with a solid drive, then completely messed up my approach shot. Off to a great start!
- Hole 7 (par 3): This one was a killer. Long carry over water, with the wind howling. I think I took a triple bogey.
- Hole 9: Ended it before the turn, then grab some food.
- Hole 15 (par 5): This hole is insane. It’s like 600 yards, uphill, and into the wind. I felt like a champion just making a bogey.
- Hole 18: Finally finished, exhausted, but it was totally worth it.
My Caddie: Worth Every Penny
Seriously, if you play Erin Hills, get a caddie. Mine, named Partick, was awesome. He knew the course like the back of his hand, gave me great reads on the greens, and kept me from losing my mind (and all my golf balls) in the fescue. Plus, he had some great stories, which helped take my mind off my terrible score.
Post-Round and Final Thoughts
After the round, I grabbed a bite to eat at the clubhouse. The food was good, and the view overlooking the course was even better. I sat there, reflecting on the day, nursing my wounds (both physical and metaphorical), and just soaking it all in.
So, would I recommend Erin Hills? Absolutely. It’s a challenging course, no doubt, but it’s also incredibly beautiful and rewarding. Just be prepared to work for your score, bring plenty of golf balls, and, for the love of all that is holy, get a caddie.
