Erin Hills + Kohler

Hey guys,

I am planning a trip from Denver out to WI May 28-31. This is sort of last minute as we are trying to replace another golf trip we had to cancel. We are planning to stay Wednesday and Thur night near Erin Hills and play 36 at EH Thursday. Then head up to Kohler Friday morning and play the 4 Kohler courses over Friday and Saturday. Sleep in and head home Sunday. Now that I type that out it feels like a lot of golf but I am sure we can tough it out for 3 days. We are planning to stay in AirBNBs but haven't booked anything yet. The Kohler packages didn't seem like a very good deal unless you are interested in nice hotel accommodations, which frankly aren't really a concern of ours.

We will probably take caddies around EH once and around Straits and Irish. Carts the last day at Blackwolf as we will be spent.

What do I need to know? Any advice? Like I said, normally I would spend months researching these things but putting this together shortly.

I understand the safer at home is in place until a day or two before we arrive. Who knows what comes after that but hoping for some looser restrictions.

Thanks!

The Bull might normally be an option but it's cooked for a while.

We are planning a similar but longer trip in October but with Sand Valley & Lawsonia included.

Kohler old us "no stay, no play" as it is just after the Ryder Cup so we have had to fork out. You get it easy if they let you stay off site.

Given the circumstances though, we may have to cancel as air travel to US is banned indefinitely for us Aussies.

You will love the trip. I've made this same one about 7 times. Here is my advice. Instead of staying at Erin Hills, we stay in Hartford, WI. It is only about 15 minutes away from EH. Typically we stay at the AmericInn in Hartford. Rooms are clean and the staff is friendly. I believe they also serve breakfast. As far as advice for Kohler, I would simply say to take advantage of their replay rates. If you play any course, you can replay on any other course for half price. And since Kohler has 2 sets of 2 courses (Straits/Irish and River/Meadow Valley), it makes the most sense to play them in that grouping. Also, you get the biggest bang for your buck if you play the cheaper of the two early in the day (Irish and Meadow Valley), then get your half price replay on the more expensive (Straits and River). There is dining at each clubhouse, so grabbing lunch is a breeze. The only downside to this plan is, you can't book your replay until after you've played your morning round. But provided the course doesn't have an outing, it is usually no problem.

Thanks! What should we expect and plan for for weather?

Interesting point on the replay rates. We could save a lot of money on Whistling by doing that but I would be afraid of not having a guaranteed tee time without being able to book in advance.

I have no idea what to expect about how busy the course will be due to stay at home orders and such. What is typical pace of play?

I walked the Irish without a caddie on Saturday in a foursome and got around in about 4:30... Full tee sheet the day I went and the course was in great shape.

At Whistling, I usually book a 'twilight' time because 1) its cheaper and 2) no caddie required. I've only ever had the 1st or 2nd twilight time and have made thru 18 every time (although once, we finished in darkness). On the Straits, i think I was told the average is about 5 hours because many high handicappers struggle with how difficult it is. But my claim to fame at the Straits was playing at twilight (with a caddie this time) in 2 hours 50 min. We honestly played thru 8 groups in 18 holes.

I usually just call and confirm that they have no outing on whatever day I am needing a replay and i've never had an issue. But I understand the need to have it booked in advance. On a typical weekday, the course is rarely full even without the Stay at Home order in place.

After the round, make sure to have a beverage or three sitting in an Adirondack chair overlooking the 9th and 18th greens at Whistling Straits.

I will be playing Erin Hills and Whistling Straits this coming week, and the caddy situation is different than usual. At EH, every group has to take a forecaddie, and no one is allowed to have a caddy actually carry your clubs. This version of "Touchless Golf" is based on the golfer being the only person to touch their clubs. In the past, no push/pull carts were allowed on the course, but golfers now have the following options: use a free push cart supplied by the course, bring your own pushcart if you want, or carry your own clubs. You can request a power cart only for serious medical reasons. I'm not sure how long these rules will be in force, but check the EH website or call the course for the latest info.

At Whistling Straits, the usual rule requiring caddies during prime golf hours is being waived for the time being. This means that golfers can rent a push cart or bring their own at any time of day. Caddies or forecaddies are still available if desired.

I hope this info is helpful.

What was the verdict? How’d you enjoy it and did you try any of the great courses in the area like The Bog, Fox Hills, Brown Deer etc?

I played Whistling Straits - Straits last week. Booked a 3:50pm twilight rate as a single, was able to get out slightly early, say around 3:15pm. Walked/carried 18 and barely saw another soul. It was awesome. After finishing 18 I went directly to #1 tee around 6:00-7:00pm and walked the front 9 for a few extra holes without any trouble.

I saw on Facebook or Instagram that there is now a promo that if you play Straits or Blackwolf Run, you receive a complimentary round on Irish or Meadows. I’m not surprised given the lower bookings.