Erin Hills...carry my own or hire a caddie?

Going to Erin Hills mid August for the 1st time. Not sure if I should splurge for the caddie or carry my own bag. I've only had a caddie one other time and that was at Pebble Beach which was definitely worth it. But I saw on the website that caddies double bag at EH which is less appealing for me. Any thoughts?

I've done both. 1) I didn't think having a caddie did THAT much for my game that day. There were a couple of lines and reads that were definitely helpful though. I didn't think it was like Streamsong courses where I thought without a caddie the first time I would be lost.

2) what kind of shape are you in? I carried once and didn't have much problem. I like to think I am in pretty good shape. A lot of people think it is a very tough and long walk and it is going to be hot most likely in August. If you aren't in walking shape, I would suggest not carrying your own bag. If it is something you do often and you keep yourself in pretty good shape, I thought it was a fine walk.

First time playing it I'd suggest having a caddie, you're already paying a lot to play it, might as well take it all in.

If one is paying the freight to play Erin Hills, it seems cheap to evade the caddie fees.

Hire a caddie. It is a long tough walk. You are paying a premium to play in what is arguably the hottest month of the year. Save yourself for the game.

Phred

I would not want to carry there. Hard enough walk as it is.

I'd go with a caddie on your first visit, especially in August. Yeah, double bagging sucks rocks, but it's a long walk, and temps/humidity will likely be high.

true baller move would be to bring your own caddie with you.

Lost my focus reading this thread however canonlbp430's avatar could be Erin Hills.

> @zer0 said:

> true baller move would be to bring your own caddie with you.

Unfortunately, their site states outside caddies or pull-carts are not allowed. It’s not posted under the caddie tab but under their FAQ.

Having played their 4-5 times now, I would recommend a caddie for your first round, especially in August. I played the August following the US Open and heat index’s were at 100 or just above.

> @DavePelz4 said:

> Lost my focus reading this thread however canonlbp430 avatar could be Erin Hills.

I'd have my quickest round at that Erin Hills no doubt.

It truly depends on your level of fitness and the regularity with which you walk courses during the extreme heat. I for one found EH to be a very enjoyable carry with a small Sunday bag and 14 clubs, even on a hot and humid day in the mid 90s. And the reward of entering the clubhouse after and having a cold beer after made the walk especially worth it! But for someone who rides even half of their rounds or carries one of those enormous stand bags even when they do walk, I would say carrying is a bad idea. Remember, if you don't enjoy the walking, you won't enjoy the round!

FWIW, I found walking 36 at Streamsong in late May carrying my own small bag to be extremely enjoyable! I just think I went through 6-8 pedialyte packets to stay hydrated that day!

if you typically ride, then get a caddie ... if you typically walk with a pushcart, then get a caddie ...

fyi, played last year with a buddy wearing his workout watch...cant' remember how many steps he took--that seemed pretty standard for a long 18, but with quite a few up/down ventures into the dunes, he recorded elevation change of the equivalent of 110 stories, and a lot of that pretty difficult (fescue rough) terrain... if you are off fairway, it does get pretty challenging

Hire a caddie or you'll regret it. Played there a couple of years ago and it was great. However, it was the longest walk ever...Several elevated greens and the Caddie is worth every penny.

I hope you got a caddie

Well, just to update you all - two of us got a caddie (me included) and the other two carried their own bag. It was one of the most enjoyable walks I've ever had on a golf course (including Pebble Beach) and I hope someday I get to go back. The caddy made the experience even better.

i think it's a great course ... imo, most of the "it's over-rated" crowd want a beach and an ocean somewhere in there ...

always hire a caddie when the option is available. your on vacation relax and enjoy it

> @TerrapinGolfer said:

> always hire a caddie when the option is available. your on vacation relax and enjoy it

Agreed get the most out of your trip/round as possible.

I’m headed there the 2nd week of Oct. very much looking forward to it.