As expected, the United States Golf Association (USGA) today officially announced that Erin Hills, a public golf course located in the Town of Erin in Washington County, about 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee, will be the site of the 2017 U.S. Open.
"Erin Hills, though just a few years old, has justifiably earned its reputation as one of the premier facilities in the nation," said Jim Hyler, USGA president.
Erin Hills opened in 2006. It was developed by Robert Lang, who last year sold the course to Andrew Ziegler, the chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Artisan Partners.
"I'm deeply honored that Erin Hills has been selected to host the 117th U.S. Open, and I thank the USGA for its confidence in our ability to produce an outstanding championship," said Ziegler.
The golf course was built on the hilly Kettle Moraine terrain.
"Erin Hills boasts one of the greatest natural inland sites for a golf course that I have ever seen," said Mike Davis, USGA senior director of rules and competitions. "It was designed and is managed in ways that are respectful of the environment - and it also happens to be an excellent test of golf."
However, last year, the course was in rough condition and needed to be improved to serve as a championship venue. It was closed for a major renovation project by golf course specialist Landscapes Unlimited of Lincoln, Neb. The course will be re-opened on July 31.
Erin Hills was the site of the 2008 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship, and will serve as the site of the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship.
"(Former owner) Bob Lang had a wonderful vision for Erin Hills," Ziegler said. "We are building on that vision through significant course renovations and are dedicated to providing a world-class test of golf for players at both the 2011 U.S. Amateur and the 2017 U.S. Open."