Erin Hills

February 22, 2022 admin

Location: Erin

Yardage: 7,731 yards

Tees: Black, Blue, Green, White, Gold

Holes: 18 (Par 72)

Opened: 2006

Architect: Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, Ron Whitten

Category: Local Value

Peak Summer Rate: $330 (walking) plus caddie fee and tip

Favorite Hole: #15

One of the most spectacular, naturally designed golf courses the world has ever seen; Erin Hills has quickly jumped up to being one of the top golf destinations in the country. Since it was established back in 2006, Erin Hills has hosted a US Amateur, US Open and is set to host a Women’s US Open in 2025. Set in the heart of the state, Erin Hills is common destination for players traveling to and from Whistling Straits, Sand Valley, and Lawsonia. Tipping out at almost 7,800 yards with a slope of 145, Erin Hills can quickly show its teeth. Many of the holes are played through the crevices of glacial deposits that carved the land thousands of years ago. Erin is also known for having one of the longest Par 5’s in the world. In the 2017 US Open, hole #18 tipped out at 675, sometimes playing dead into the wind. Justin Thomas described hitting, “one of the best 3-woods of his life,” on that hole. Recently constructed, the course also has a putting course located next to the first tee. Many times, guests enjoy a cigar and cocktail on the putting course. It’s even open at night! One of the cool things Erin Hills has to offer is their on-site lodging. They are known for their private cottages, that can house up to 8 occupants. The cottages overlook the entire course and have some of the most breathtaking sunsets. On the other hand, the property also has a rustic, Irish-style lodge. This building sits right next to the first tee and really makes you feel like you are in another country.

When I played Erin Hills back in 2020, I remember it being an incredible experience. The service was exceptional and the course was in great shape. When there, it is a must to get a Fescue Rescue drink. It is Erin Hills staple cocktail that consists of Jameson, ginger beer and lemonade. If you are traveling from out of state, Erin should be a top destination for you to play.

Erin Hills Beer made by MKE brewery City Lights

Categories: Reviews

Tags: Dana Fry, Michael Hurdzan, Ron Whitten, Southeast WI, Top Cheese

Wild Rock Golf Course

October 27, 2021 admin

Location: Wisconsin Dells
Yardage: 7,417 yards
Tees: Black, Blue, White, Gold Red
Holes: 18 (Par 72)
Opened: 2008
Architects: Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry
Category: Regional Destination
Weekday Rate: $99
Favorite Hole:#10

Built just up the road from Lake Delton in the Wisconsin Dells and opened in 2008, Wild Rock Golf Course features many aspects that cannot be found at most courses throughout the state. Although Wild Rock is on the Wilderness Resort property and is a short drive from many other Resorts, this course is not what you would expect. The tips play at almost 7,500 yards with very wide fairways for the first 3/4 of the round. Wild Rock is one of the most playable for all skill levels due to 5 tee boxes, large inviting greens, and deceivingly small bunkers that may catch a ball or two during your round. The first four holes and last two are on one piece of the property, and the other 12 are across a road. You take a tunnel under the road to continue your round, which was pretty cool. With subtle uphill holes like #5 and #10, you need to be precise and factor in the slope with your approach shot. Hole #6 features the best view on the property and views for over 30 miles, shown in the cover photo above. Once you reach the 10th green, you also are at a high point and can see the rolling hills in the distance. There were many great holes in the middle of the course which keeps golfers on their toes. The tips are just as long as you would expect at almost 7,500 yards, and you can feel that on almost every tee shot between the long par 3’s and 4’s as well as the intermediate par 5’s.Wild Rock has many features such as a few table top greens, punchbowl pins, large rock quarries, forced carries over water, and many more. It was a treat to play Wild Rock during peak color in the fall, and I can’t wait to go back very soon.