What criteria do you consider when it comes to adding a golf course to your must-play list? Is it other golfers raving about the property? Is it whether the facility has hosted a major championship or major tour onsite? Is it being highly rated by major golf media brands? Well, how about a place that has all the above!
Erin Hills continues to grow in notoriety year after year as more golfers have the chance to experience this epic destination for the first time and then come home to share the details of the experience with their friends.
This course was built for world-class events, as it almost immediately started hosting major USGA events after opening in 2006.
Erin Hills (photo by Evan Schiller)
A USGA favorite
Erin Hills first hosted the 2008 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links won by Tiffany Joh followed by the 2011 U.S. Amateur that was won by Kelly Kraft. But the facility took the golf world by storm when it hosted the 2017 U.S. Open which served as Brooks Koepka’s first major championship victory. This was the first time that many golfers had a chance to set their eyes upon these hallowed grounds, and all the sudden the demand to play here went through the roof. Even with the increased demand, Erin Hills continued to focus on holding major events here for the game’s best players as they hosted the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur won by Matthew McClean and then the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open won by Maja Stark.
And the USGA isn’t done bringing marquee events here, as they have already added 5 additional events to come to Erin Hills in the coming years. These events are the 2027 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, the 2030 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball, the 2033 U.S. Women’s Amateur, the 2035 U.S. Amateur, and the 2039 U.S. Junior Amateur.
Not only does this showcase how much the USGA thinks of this unique venue, but the variety of these events and playing distances showcases how the course design makes the experience here exceptional from every set of tees.
With another USGA championship fast approaching, the agronomy team at Erin Hills has made a concerted effort to give all golfers who visit the resort the same championship level conditions throughout their golf season, and guests are definitely taking notice.
Erin Hills (photo by Evan Schiller)
The demand continues to grow
Golf Digest panelists recently ranked Erin Hills among the Top 10 public golf courses in the United States. While Golf Digest is known for having a select panel of golfers who can vote on this, review platforms that are open for all to have a say like GolfPass (formerly Golf Advisor) and TheGrint golf app equally share in their praises of Erin Hills as the course is a 4.8 out of 5.0 stars on GolfPass and TheGrint users ranked Erin Hills as the #1 Public Course in the United States in 2026.
The demand to play here has never been higher, and the lodging is limited so if you’re thinking about a stay and play trip here in 2027 with your crew, the time to act is now. Erin Hills has a very handy calendar that shows their current availability that you can see here, so if your group wants to start looking at potential dates, this guide is a great place to start when you are looking for potential dates.
Even with the increased interest in Erin Hills, it has maintained its commitment to creating an exceptional guest experience for all who visit by crafting a more intimate feel for visitors. The property offers a quiet tranquility that comes from the limited lodging making everything you need to do onsite just a short walk away. Once you park your car, that’s the last time you’ll need it until your departure. And if you’re looking for the ultimate in ease of arrival, Erin Hills is a Ship Sticks facility so their staff can have your clubs ready to go the moment you arrive.
While being a day guest is the way a lot of golfers experience Erin Hills (especially if your itinerary includes other area gems like Kohler, Wisconsin, SentryWorld, and Sand Valley), we highly recommend staying for at least one night if you can make it work as the authentic feel of the stay and play experience here is off the charts.
This will give you ample time to peruse the pro shop and pick up plenty of “swag” with one of the best logos in golf, play the lit-up 12-hole Drumlin Putting Course, enjoy a Fescue Rescue or a top-shelf bourbon at the Irish Pub & Terrace, or play some games in their famous Caddie Barn.
Erin Hills represents all that is right in the game of golf, and we highly recommend inserting it into your golf travel rotation immediately.
Erin Hills