Tips for watching golf in Erin, Wisconsin

Why go?

Just an hour away from the capital of Wisconsin, Erin is home to one of the state’s best golf courses: Erin Hills. From June 12 – 18, 2017, Erin Hills will host one of the US’s most prestigious golf tournaments, with golfers competing for a cash prize and entry into the other three global majors.

This is the first time that this event will be taking place in Wisconsin, marking Erin Hills are one of the new must-play courses for golfers both in the US and abroad. An estimated 35,000 spectators are going to be an attendance daily, so there will be no shortage of golf fans to mingle with both on and off the course.

The weather

Anyone who has experienced spring in the Midwest knows that spring temperatures are anything but consistent. June temperatures in Erin have previously been as low as 11 and as high as 25 degrees celsius, so you’ll want to pack for all weather conditions. Especially as you’ll likely be spending much of your time in an open field with little protection from the elements.

To pack

As most of your time will likely be spent outdoors, the most important thing to pack is lots of sunscreen and a hat. It’s also advisable to bring layers, as the tournaments can stretch across the day which means you’ll experience firsthand the fickleness of spring temperatures. The final thing to make room in your bag for is actually a pair of binoculars. This may seem odd, but with an estimated 35,000 attendees, there’s a good chance that you won’t be front and centre for every hole.

To eat

Food choices tend to be limited on the course, so if you want to experience some true Wisconsin cuisine make sure to enjoy at least one meal at a local Erin establishment. Wisconsin is known as “America’s Dairyland” which means one thing is certain – there will be lots and lots of cheese for you to try.

If you only have time to sample one, make sure it is their famous cheese curds which are the perfectly squeaky and flavourful. But cheese isn’t the only thing Wisconsin knows how to do well – they also do a mean Friday fish fry. Once a religious ritual, the Friday fish fry has become a beloved social event at pubs and restaurants to mark the end of the working week.

To do

When you’re not watching golfers battle for the lowest score, there’s plenty to do in and around Erin. Part of the Ice Age Trail, a thousand mile footpath tracing Ice Age formations across Wisconsin, passes through the famous Holy Hill. Hikers who make the pilgrimage to its peak are rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views of Erin and beyond. If you’re still not tired of the outdoors, Kettle Moraine state forest makes for a great day trip as it is just a 30-minute drive away and offers plenty of hiking and walking trails.

Where to stay

As accommodation in Erin is limited, your best bet is to look in the neighbouring towns. The Country Inn & Suites in nearby Germantown is only a 20 minute drive from the course and offers excellent WiFi and a buffet breakfast. If you’re interested in seeing the capital of Wisconsin on your trip, there are a number of amazing accommodation options available in Milwaukee, such as Hotel Metro, which is only a 45 minute drive from Erin Hills.