Erin Hills, Wisconsin's Other Championship Venue, is a Stern Test
Aug 17, 2010; 10:26 AM ET
In case you haven't noticed, Wisconsin is turning into America's golf capital. This week's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits is the beginning of a decade of big-time events in the state: 2011 U.S. Amateur, '12 Women's U.S. Open, '15 PGA, '17 U.S. Open, '20 Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup and PGA will be here at Whistling Straits, the Women's Open at its sister course Blackwolf Run, both established tournament venues.
The Amateur and Open are to be played about 45 miles southwest of here at an intriguing new site, Erin Hills, that was born in 2006 and has been undergoing nips and tucks ever since. Earlier this week I journeyed to the course, ranked 35th on Golf Magazine's list of the Top 100 Courses You Can Play, for a sneak preview.
It's a lovely drive, through cornfields and no-stoplight hamlets. The arrival at Erin Hills is charmingly unpretentious: a big barn where the caddies hang out that doubles as a bag drop. A recent change in ownership has infused Erin Hills with more cash, and the course just reopened after a series of infrastructure improvements. New roadways and an inviting back patio to the clubhouse are complete, while a vast expansion of the driving range is ongoing. Fresh sod is being laid across the property. All of this has been done with the upcoming Amateur (and Open) in mind.
Alan Shipnuck
Tiger Woods 2012 Debut Headlines AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
In a field full of celebrities one name stands out at Pebble Beach this week, Tiger Woods.
Outdoor > Golf
Tampa's Manatees Seek Warmth in Unlikely Canal
Manatees remain a symbol of Florida, despite declining numbers due to climate conditions and boat-related incidents. However, the protected manatees have found a safe place to congregate at one of the most unlikely of places: the Tampa Electric Company in Tampa, Fla.
Outdoor > Beach & Marine
