Erin Hills Outing

[Mike Wagner]

Fellas,

I'd like to put together a little outing here at Erin Hills.

I'm thinking play afternoon of Oct. 9th and morning of the 10th.  I can work on a reduced green fee (most likely $75) and reduced overnight accomodations.  I'm also trying to get Bob Lang scheduled to join the group for dinner Friday evening.

This is for preliminary interest....any takers?

[Joe Bausch]

Yes, I would be interested if things fall into place.

Are we allowed to wear a Brett Favre Vikings jersey?   

[jonathan_becker]

Mike,

Now that I know that we've met without even discussing GCA, if my schedule allows, I will try to make it.  Every time I play EH, it's on a return visit to my former home of Chicago.  I would love to try to make it back again this fall. Thanks for the invite!

[Chris Flamion]

Mike-

I haven't been able to work my way up there yet so I would be interested.  All depends on my schedule and if the new swing continues to alleviate the back problems.

[JWinick]

I'm probably in.  Sounds like a lot of fun.   

[Brent Carlson]

EH is a blast.  Highly recommended.  Wish I could make it.

[Rob Rigg]

Mike,

If I win the lottery (which probably means I need to buy I ticket) I would really enjoy flying out there and joining up for the shindig.

Hope all is well - sorry you will still be in the mid-west for the Chambers Bay outing in late September.

[Dan Moore]

Had a chance to play with Mike Wagner Labor Day weekend and the course is recovering from its enhancement surgery quite well.  The difference from just 2 months ago was amazing.  

Course is really rounding into form with more of the terrains potential being realized.  By the 2011 Amateur things should be looking good as the remediation of the rough areas and fescue on the bunkers really takes hold.  They burned, churned and replanted many of the outlying rough areas this year.

Sounds like Erin Hills will go 100% walking starting next year.  This will certainly help the fescue fairways and rough.  Bent greens are in super condition, even the new areas are now 100% playable.  

When I compare the finishing 4 holes here to the finishing 4 at Cog Hill Erin Hills wins hands down.  A short strategic par 4, mid-length par 3, a long bunkerless par 4 and a monster par 5.  The elasticity of this course must have the USGA intrigued.  

Here are some photos from 10 days ago.  

3rd Hole


New 4th Hole


8th Green and 18th Hole Viewed from Black Tee on 5th hole


Revamped 8th Hole


14th From 15 Tee


15th From Hill behind Green


New 4th Green from 16th tee


16th


17th From Black Tee


Home Hole Still a little rough around the edges.

[jonathan_becker]

Dan,

Wow.  The grass is really growing in now.  It looks very different than when I was there 6 weeks ago.

After playing both Cog and EH last month, I am in agreement with you about the last 4 holes at EH being better than Cog.  In 2017, I want EH over Cog.

[Steve Kupfer]

Played EH yesterday afternoon with two east coast friends and I was really impressed with how little the changes affected play.  Only a couple times did I even notice anything roped off or signs of new patchwork sod.  A few greens were a little bumpy, but the majority of them were running extremely smooth and very fast. The starter said 12.5.

A ranger's suggestion that a lack of rain has stifled the growth of the changes wasn't apparent to me. The upside was that drives and putts roll forever, making the tees we played (green, 6800+) much more manageable.

As an aside, I have to say that part of what sets EH aside in my experience is the people they have there. Experienced staff from very reputable and tradition-laden places that are truly eager to make the experience as wonderful as possible.  From the bag attendants and caddies to the starter, bartender and rangers, everyone was helpful, friendly, and anxious for feedback about the course, particularly given the changes.

Say what you want about Bob about the logic around his decision making, but he has set a really solid foundation for a place that should be special for a long time to come. 

[Mike Wagner]

Steve,

Glad you enjoed EH - did some idiot named Mike check you in? 

[Steve Kupfer]

Yeah I think I recall some clown named Mike giving us a warm welcome!

[Rob Rigg]

Mike,

Is EH really thinking about going walking only next season?

Are there cart paths now?

I am looking fwd to getting out next year - from the pics it does look like a very interesting course with a rea links "spirit" about it.

[Chuck Brown]

Actually, Erin Hills got a lot of rain when it was needed most, mid-late summer.  It has been very dry for the last 10-14 days.  I think they've done very well by the weather.  I'd be worried that if it had stayed real wet, some of the 2009 construction work might be damaged by ongoing play.

[PThomas]

Mike I MIGHT be in..pls pass along more details when you have them, tanks

[Mike McGuire]

The 9th is a possibility for me - but only if i can ride