If you are a golf fan living in Wisconsin, you know the buzz is palpable. From the time Erin Hills was announced as host of the 2017 U.S. Open in 2010 during a press conference at Pebble Beach, seven years couldn’t go by fast enough.
Finally, the time is here as the USGA’s hallmark Championship descends upon the prairie fields of Erin, WI on June 12th through the 18th. With less than a month before the opening tee shot is struck, Midwest Golfing Magazine is honored to present a preview of the 117th U.S. Open. Within the following centerfold, you’ll be treated to stunning photography plus analysis from all the key players that are determined to make this year’s U.S. Open one for the ages.
“It is hard to believe that we signed the host site agreement almost seven years ago (June 2010) to bring our global championship to the grand stage of Erin Hills and state of Wisconsin for the very first time! After a very successful 2011 U.S. Amateur and a few, relatively ‘quiet’ years of planning, as of August 2015 the USGA had three staff members relocate to Wisconsin full-time to focus on the planning efforts for the championship. All at Erin Hills have been tremendous partners in assisting us through the planning process from day one and we have also received wonderful support from Washington County, the State of Wisconsin and their supporting agencies.” – Eric Steimer, USGA, 2017 U.S. Open Championship Manager
“It has been a real team effort and something that all of us involved in Erin Hills take a tremendous amount of pride in. We are indeed excited about this historic opportunity to show the golfing world this beautiful and challenging heartland golf course and also to display the genuine hospitality of the scenic Kettle Moraine in the state of Wisconsin.” – Jim Reinhart, Erin Hills, 2017 U.S. Open General Chairman
“We are anticipating that the fans will provide an electric atmosphere for the game’s best players competing in golf’s ultimate test. Ticket sales have certainly had a very strong Wisconsin flavor thus far with a few options remaining and available for purchase by visiting usopen.com. In addition to tickets, we are being supported by more than 5,000 volunteers, with 77% of those volunteers who call the great state of Wisconsin home. It is safe to say that Wisconsinites are golf crazed and supportive of their major events, and the 117th U.S. Open Championship is proving to be no exception to the rule!” – Eric Steimer, USGA, 2017 U.S. Open Championship Manager
“Erin Hills offers tremendous setup flexibility. This flexibility will allow us to react to varying weather conditions. Additionally, we can make strategic decisions that will introduce “risk/reward” opportunities for the best players in the world. Holes such as 2, 7, 14 and 15 will offer players choices as to how they wish to play them. In some cases, the architecture of Erin Hills builds in that choice, while in others, our decisions will impact some decision making by the players. In either case, players will likely be faced with a number of opportunities to showcase their skills that could lead to some exciting golf!” – Jeff Hall, USGA, Managing Director, Rules of Golf and Open Championships
“Erin Hills will undoubtedly be as beautiful on screen as it is in person. We always look forward to welcoming our global audience to the grandest stages that America has to offer and Fox will surely bring their most innovative tools to showcase the achievements of the world’s best golfers.” – Sarah Hirshland, USGA, Senior Managing Director, Business Affairs
“Through pictures, sound and technology, Fox will try to bring the viewer onto the fairways and greens to experience what it’s like to play and see Erin Hills in person. It is an expansive golf course with a great contrast of colors and contours. We will use a variety of aerial and ground cameras to show the many challenges and distinctive features that will make Erin Hills such a comprehensive test for this year’s U.S. Open Championship.” – Mark Loomis, Coordinating Producer FOX Golf
“First, I’m a very, very small partner in Erin Hills. That said, I am extremely honored and humbled by the fact that a golf course that I have been involved with is hosting our national championship. My biggest contribution to the U.S. Open may well be the fact that I was able, along with a handful of others, to convince my good friend and golfing pal, Andy Ziegler, to purchase Erin Hills. What Andy has accomplished, with the help of a staff that is led by Andy Bush, is truly remarkable. I’m truly grateful for the tremendous accomplishments of our team over the past several years, many of them who were on staff when Erin Hills opened its doors in August of 2006. It has been quite a journey and I know that the entire staff and the more than 5,000 volunteers take pride in providing the USGA the support they need to conduct a blockbuster U.S. Open.”- Jim Reinhart, Erin Hills, 2017 U.S. Open General Chairman
Sidebar Graphic Titled: Erin Hills’ By The Numbers
Par & Official Yardage
Erin Hills will be set up at 7,693 yards and will play to a par of 36-36—72. The yardage for each round of the championship will vary due to course setup and conditions. The alternate yardage options are in parenthesis below.
Hole by Hole Yardage
Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Total
Par 5 4 4 4 4 3 5 4 3 36
Yards 560 338 508 439 505 208 607 492 135 3,792
(608) (361) (476) (462) (180) (619) (143)
(236) (576) (150)
Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Total
Par 4 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 5 36
Yards 504 460 464 193 594 357 183 509 637 3,901
(524) (434) (215) (650) (370) (200) (518) (675)
(476) (170) (613) (288) (171) (663)
(252) (622)
