U.S. Open: Why Erin Hills is deserving of more majors

The 117th U.S. Open is a wrap and this is now know: Erin Hills is a gem of a course even though we haven’t seen the traditional U.S. Open high scores.

The 2017 U.S. Open has proven to be one for the ages, not because of pure dominance by an individual but for a constantly changing leaderboard. Players fighting hard for “Golf’s National Championship” is what made it great.

The mystique of Erin Hills helped make it magical out in Wisconsin’s beautiful countryside. Not only was the Erin Hills layout deserving of a U.S. Open, it deserves more major opportunities. Having had the chance to see the course in-person over the weekend, I can assure you that it is truly is a terrific design.

Automatically, people may say Erin Hills is a flop because of the low scores, as U.S. Opens are famous for being difficult. I’d say Chambers Bay was very difficult in 2015, but folks complained then as well.

The scores may have been low at the 117th U.S. Open but in the end our national championship turned out to be an amazing, nail biting tournament. The mixture in design makes Erin Hills such a joy to watch and to play.

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Even when playing the course virtually in The Golf Club video game, it was a blast. There are a lot of courses that can be labeled as “fun” and Erin Hills is right up there.

Even playing a virtual round, I found that the nuanced changes made me think a lot more on each shot. The naturality of the course adds to the gaming strategy. I wasn’t just in a boss battle against the artists (Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry & Ron Whitten), but is a battle against nature.

This is the same quality that made Sand Hills one of the most famous golf courses on the planet. The combination of the human mind and mother nature carved a beautiful track that will be seen on TV screens for years to come.

Erin Hills is a tale of a friendship between artists and nature, much like the great Sand Hills.

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As it is with any great course, when you combine beauty and interesting design, the result is a major-worthy venue. And when you have Dr. Hurdzan, a legend in the world of golf course design, put it together it’s a draw for armchair architects. Additionally, Fry is experienced and Whitten is one of golf’s most respected golf writers. These three wise men helped turn some land created by glaciers into a unique design, and it plays with your head.

One moment it may seem like it’s being easy to you, but then it attacks you like a vicious snake. Just ask Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day, who all missed the cut at the U.S. Open.

You know Erin Hills is a challenging course when the 12th hole, which has only one bunker, is arguably the toughest. It’s one of the few holes on the planet where the fairway can practically play as a hazard. You have to hit your tee shot to a perfect position so you can properly see the green.

Compare 12 to the ninth hole, which has a green surrounded by an army of bunkers. This is an example of how Erin Hills can change on a dime.

The PGA Championship would be an excellent major for Erin Hills to host down the road.

There should be no further debate about whether or now Erin Hills is a worthy U.S. Open course, but I would love to see the track host a PGA Championship. I just feel the tournament would be intense in PGA Championship conditions. It can also follow in the footsteps of it’s relative, Whistling Straits, which has hosted two of the tournament simply known as Golf’s Final Major.

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Being golf’s last major, it’s a recipe for drama. Erin Hills seems like a course that can be perfect for the dramatic.

With the stunning clubhouse in the background, and the gods of Holy Hill staring at you, it’s a great place to finish off the year of majors. When Erin Hills was selected by the USGA to host the 2017 U.S. Open back in 2010, the place was unknown. Now, after seven years, fans finally had a chance to witness the design. It delivered.

Who cares if there were some low scores out there? We still were treated to multiple golfers dueling it out, including some late dominance by champion Brooks Koepka. Overall, the 117th edition was a fun U.S. Open at an exciting new course that should continue to host majors down the road. It’s the right thing to do.

A toast to you, Erin Hills!

Next: Top 10 U.S. Open clutch shots

So what were your thoughts on the new major course? Perhaps you’ve played the course? Tell us about it in the comments section or you can let me know on Twitter @ChiGolfRadio.

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