Yes there is no doubt that Erin Hills is a long course, but what is wrong with that? Almost all of the back tees were already there when we began construction. Hurdzan, Fry, and Whitten routed the course from natural tee site to natural green site. The golf course was truly found. Most of the tee sites were flat enough that before construction began, I would go around and play the golf course. I just don’t see why it is such a big deal to have a long course, when that is what the terrain dictated. Firm and fast fairways will make the course play shorter as well, which has been the architects plan since the start. The irrigation system was designed to accommodate this belief, and the playing corridors are seeded with fescue grasses, which should play fast.
Despite the courses length, there is a great variety of holes. The par 3’s range in length from 165ish to 250ish. All four of them are extremely different, and the 19th hole is excellent as well. I believe the article was trying to say that the 19th hole could be used in tournaments instead of the dell styled par three. Really the only thing it has in common with the original dell is the fact that the green is completely blind, and a rock will be used to signify where the flag is located.
The par 4’s range from 340 to 500 yards. There is a short par 4 on each side, and I believe that both of them will be drivable for longer hitters. Erin Hills also has some excellent medium sized par 4’s. Obviously there are a good number of long par 4’s, but each one asks the golfer to attack it in a different way. Some of them allow for run up shots and on others the ball must be carried into the putting surface. Some of them have large undulating greens while other ones are small and have sublime contours. All the par fours are very different.
The par 5’s are really interesting, and range from 560 to 660. All four of them play in different directions, so some days one or two of them will play as three shot holes, while the other two will ask the long hitter to make a decision of whether to go for it or play it safe. The greens on all three are very different and range in size from 13,000 to 3,000 square feet. I think all golfers will really enjoy playing these holes.
Erin Hills is going to be a difficult walk, but very do able. Green to tee walks are pretty minimal for the most part, for those playing the back three sets of tees. There are some pretty long walks for those playing the most forward tees. I personally can’t wait to get a chance to go out there and walk with some of my buddies, because the scenery is second to none, and is best enjoyed while walking. I believe the plan is to really encourage walking, with pull carts for those who want them.
Brendan