Wisconsin’s Erin Hills Ready to host Next U.S. Open, Georgians Invited

Those looking to escape the Georgia heat next June couldn’t do much better than a trip to Milwaukee to catch next year’s U.S. Open Golf Championship. Sure the state of Georgia hosts their own major championship each April in the Masters, but I bet you can’t get tickets (badges). The 117th U.S. Open Championship, scheduled for June 15-18, at Erin Hills, will be the first in Wisconsin and the first in the Midwest since 2003 at Olympia Fields (Ill.) Country Club. It will also be the sixth publicly accessible course to host the championship.

While the best golfers in the world are busy at Oakmont Country Club this week and weekend, Erin Hills is preparing for 2017. Designed by Michael Hurzdan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten, Erin Hills is a true test and a preeminent Midwestern golf course, known for its minimalist, natural look and challenging layout. A premier competitive venue, it hosted the 2008 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links and 2011 U.S. Amateur championships.

Tickets for the 2017 U.S. Open Championship at Erin Hills in Erin, Wis., are available for purchase on usga.org/tickets and usopen.com.

If you want to play golf, there is still time to play Eric Hills this summer and fall, before it closes for the year as it won’t reopen for public play until after the 2017 U.S. Open. Bring your “A Game” and hire a caddie for your walk around Erin Hills. There are no carts at this Wisconsin gem, so get ready to experience the course, just like the pros will in June, 2017.

The first thing new visitors to Erin Hills will notice is how wide open it appears. Don’t be fooled as it takes some imagination, luck and skill to play the 18. This is just what the USGA thinks the sport needs: a first class facility with a lot of a room to relax and roam.

“Bringing the U.S. Open Championship to Wisconsin gives us another opportunity to inspire new audiences to love the game,” said Mike Davis, executive director/CEO of the USGA. “There is a wonderful feel to Erin Hills, both completely connected to its natural environment and challenging, with architectural nuances that entice players to be creative and competitive.”

For U.S. Open week, daily and multi-day package ticket options for the 117th U.S. Open, with prices starting at $50 for daily gallery tickets and $100 for package options, respectively, include.

·    1895 Club: The 1895 Club is an all-inclusive ticket option featuring breakfast, buffet lunch with hot entrees, afternoon snacks and full bar service throughout the day in a custom-designed, climate-controlled hospitality environment.

·    Trophy Club: Located near the main admission gate, the Trophy Club is a climate-controlled pavilion offering open seating, live network coverage of the championship in a sports bar-like setting, and a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase at an additional charge

·    Gallery: Gallery tickets provide access to the grounds and to all concession locations, grandstands throughout the course and spectator experience facilities.

·    Weekly packages: Each ticket type can be purchased as a weeklong ticket package. All weekly packages include a playoff ticket for Monday, June 19 (if needed). Ticket buyers who purchase an 1895 Club weekly package will receive a playoff Trophy Club ticket, as the 1895 Club will not be open if a playoff is necessary.

·    Practice-Round and Championship-Round packages: Both Trophy Club and Gallery tickets are available in three- and four-day packages.

The USGA predicts that next year’s championship promises to generate strong interest within an area known for exceptional golf and an energetic fan base, and purchasing tickets early is highly suggested.

It’s great to see that junior tickets are available at all admission gates and at any will call facility during the championship. Juniors age 12 and under receive complimentary tickets when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Tickets for juniors ages 13 to 17 will be available for purchase at a reduced rate for any day when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Tickets will also be available on-site for military personnel. During practice-round days (Monday, June 12 through Wednesday, June 14), active military personnel receive complimentary Gallery tickets and retired personnel can purchase half-priced Gallery tickets at $25 per ticket.

Erin Hills is located just a short ride out of Downtown Milwaukee where there are ample lodging and restaurant options including one-stop shopping for accommodations, gambling and great food at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino at 1721 W. Canal St. in Milwaukee. You can also stay right on property at Erin Hills in their lodges, although they won’t be available for U.S. Open week, they are available for your visit in 2016 and in 2017 after the Championship.