Erin Hills and University Ridge

[TUGolfer06]

I received great news via email on Friday that a late morning tee time was available on 7/20 at Erin Hills which I immediately jumped on. As one can imagine I am stoked to have the chance to play here during the middle of the summer given the demand it receives. I am opting for my own single caddie who I, as a former looper back in my high school days, will take happily care of so long as they keep tabs on my clubs and head covers....lol. Any info regarding the playing experience? Hardest aspect of the course? Wind? Bunkering? Green complexes? I'm counting on a 5 hour round. I must add, that while $313 +caddie for a round of golf will be my new high (by nearly double), based on some research it seems "reasonable" when considering what Whistling Straits, Kohler, Sand Valley and Sentryworld all charge. 

 

Given my love for collegiate courses I plan on playing University Ridge to compliment my trip. It has long been on the short list of the college tracks I need to play. I'll likely be staying in Madison after flying into O'Hara so my plan is to play University Ridge on Thursday before spending Friday/Saturday afternoon back in Chicago. I will also be checking out the University of Wisconsin as I am currently going through the Ph.D./Ed.D. program vetting process for the '23-'24 academic year. If I have ambition and the back hasn't let me down I might try for a late afternoon round Friday in the Chicago area like my last trip to the area earlier this month.

 

Back in late April, early May I had visions of going to the Prairie Club at the end of July, early August but logistically it never worked out. Hopefully next year I can pull it off! Also, I looked into doing a North Dakota trip (Links of ND, Hawktree, Bully Pulpit) but flights and rental cars were way too expensive. As it is, my numerous ties to Chicago (went to grad school at DePaul) help to provide a gateway to some unbelievable golf within 2-3 hours of the city.  

[TK3]

Hi TU,

 

Played EH a few years back when they had the US Open there. 

 

Hardest part?  For me it was the walking.  Had a great caddie, but the topography of the course - elevation changes up to the green complexes and the heat were a BEAR!

 

Awesome course - you will love it.  Factor in the wind + elevation changes on your approach shots and you'll do well.

 

Cheers,

TK

[chinaski]

UW is a fantastic school. Beautiful campus, great town. Good luck!

[iKOH423]

100% bias here.  Love Madison and the University.  I try and go up a couple times a year (currently in the western burbs of Chicago).

 

Played University Ridge a few times and I love the course, one of my personal favs that I've played.  Two different 9's, love the sound the driver makes down the treelined 10th.

 

Can't wait to hear on your experiences at both places!

[TUGolfer06]

Leaving for Chicago on Tuesday for my round at Erin Hills on Wednesday! Has anyone been there recently? How are the conditions? Good amount of moisture? Firm and fast? As someone who is in good shape but does not like the heat keeping my mojo going will be the biggest battle imo. Obviously a bit of nerves too...lol.

 

University Ridge is extremely busy on Thursday so I might take the day off to recoup and play near Chicago very early Friday before it gets hot.

 

Edited July 17, 2022 by TUGolfer06

[Phreddy]

Erin Hills should be in excellent condition.  I haven't been there yet this year, but I have never been disappointed in the conditions.  As mentioned above, it is a taxing walk, with lots of elevation changes and if memory serves there is one tree on the property.  It will be mid 80's so prepare to keep yourself hydrated on the course.  EH has one of the best practice facilities in the state so give yourself time to enjoy your warm up.

 

Ask any Wisconsonite, and they will tell you we have only two seasons:  Winter and Road Construction.  Whatever Google Maps tells you give yourself a cushion.

[azgolfer44]

I am headed to EH for two rounds first week in August.  The course conditions are very good according to the course.  They are starting to grow up the fescue and slightly firm up things for the USGA mid-Am coming in September.  I'd expect the conditions to pretty much be perfect this week.

[TBone0576]

Right now looks like a really nice day.   I've played it 3x and I'd agree with the others in that the walk is one of the most challenging aspects.   Pick a set of tees where you can have some fun.  I usually play my home courses between 6750-7000 yards but when I play a bucket list course, usually dial it back to 6600 or so.  In my opinion it makes it more enjoyable and gives you a few more chances at birdies.  There is ample room there off the tee and it is a very fair course but certainly challenging around the greens.  Have fun! 

[TBone0576]

On 7/17/2022 at 11:56 AM, TUGolfer06 said:

Leaving for Chicago on Tuesday for my round at Erin Hills on Wednesday! Has anyone been there recently? How are the conditions? Good amount of moisture? Firm and fast? As someone who is in good shape but does not like the heat keeping my mojo going will be the biggest battle imo. Obviously a bit of nerves too...lol.

 

University Ridge is extremely busy on Thursday so I might take the day off to recoup and play near Chicago very early Friday before it gets hot.

 

How did Erin Hills turn out?  End up playing anywhere else between there, Madison and Chicago?

[TUGolfer06]

On 7/25/2022 at 7:52 AM, TBone0576 said:

How did Erin Hills turn out?  End up playing anywhere else between there, Madison and Chicago?

Been very busy!

 

Erin Hills was awesome! From the time I arrived until I left it was a top-notch golf experience without feeling "stuffy" or forced in any capacity. The wind was blowing a steady 15-20 with gusts close to 35-40. Our caddies suggested it was one of the windiest, toughest days of the summer so far. Given the wind and numerous blind shots I would definitely like to play it again since there were probably really 5-6 poor swings due to lack of confidence. TV simply does not give the course justice when it comes to the elevation changes. There are parts of the fairways that are more like sled hills which funnel your ball somewhere else. The fall-offs around the greens also require significant local knowledge to navigate around. With that in mind, I hope to play it again next year! It's absolutely worth the price of admission imo. 

 

 

I also played Stonewall-Orchard which I found to be extremely disappointing. There were portions of the greens that were completely burn out. Not what I expected from a top-rated Illinois public track. I honestly should have ponied up the money and played Cog Hill #4. If I venture out that way in the Fall I will do just that....

[TBone0576]

Nice pics.   Never really been a fan of Stonewall.  There are better tracks and more value in a few others in the northern burbs.    Glad you enjoyed EH.   I'd like to make it out there again sometime but just can't seem to pull the trigger with greens fees being what they are and having played there 3x already.   Definitely a fun track and I look forward to going out there with my wife to walk the course in 2025 for the U.S. Women's Open. 

[Shriner]

16 hours ago, TUGolfer06 said:

Been very busy!

 

Erin Hills was awesome! From the time I arrived until I left it was a top-notch golf experience without feeling "stuffy" or forced in any capacity. The wind was blowing a steady 15-20 with gusts close to 35-40. Our caddies suggested it was one of the windiest, toughest days of the summer so far. Given the wind and numerous blind shots I would definitely like to play it again since there were probably really 5-6 poor swings due to lack of confidence. TV simply does not give the course justice when it comes to the elevation changes. There are parts of the fairways that are more like sled hills which funnel your ball somewhere else. The fall-offs around the greens also require significant local knowledge to navigate around. With that in mind, I hope to play it again next year! It's absolutely worth the price of admission imo. 

 

 

I also played Stonewall-Orchard which I found to be extremely disappointing. There were portions of the greens that were completely burn out. Not what I expected from a top-rated Illinois public track. I honestly should have ponied up the money and played Cog Hill #4. If I venture out that way in the Fall I will do just that....

 

Thoe pictures remind me of my round there; so picturesque and perfect in every way.  We loved the room we stayed in and the bourbon bar was out of this world.  I too could not believe the undulation around the greens; it was wild depending on where you left your approach shot.

 

Stonewall is one of my favorite courses and one of the toughest public tracks in IL.  I play it every year, but this was the first year I ever played it with conditions that were less than perfect.  I experienced the exact same thing as you about a month ago.  I'll give them a pass for now since it was one time, but hopefully they get things back on track soon.

[zer0]

On 8/2/2022 at 8:07 PM, TUGolfer06 said:

Been very busy!

 

Erin Hills was awesome! From the time I arrived until I left it was a top-notch golf experience without feeling "stuffy" or forced in any capacity. The wind was blowing a steady 15-20 with gusts close to 35-40. Our caddies suggested it was one of the windiest, toughest days of the summer so far. Given the wind and numerous blind shots I would definitely like to play it again since there were probably really 5-6 poor swings due to lack of confidence. TV simply does not give the course justice when it comes to the elevation changes. There are parts of the fairways that are more like sled hills which funnel your ball somewhere else. The fall-offs around the greens also require significant local knowledge to navigate around. With that in mind, I hope to play it again next year! It's absolutely worth the price of admission imo. 

 

 

I also played Stonewall-Orchard which I found to be extremely disappointing. There were portions of the greens that were completely burn out. Not what I expected from a top-rated Illinois public track. I honestly should have ponied up the money and played Cog Hill #4. If I venture out that way in the Fall I will do just that....

 

I hope you had a brat at the house next to the par 3 in the middle of the course.  Highlight of the course for me.