Erin Hills Set For Saturday Grand Re-Re-Re-Opening

Gary D'Amato on high hopes that the third time around will have Erin Hills looking like a 2017 U.S. Open course.

Some 300 trees have been removed; it's the perfect example of less is more, because 20 specimen oaks now stand out on the horizon. Seas of 18-inch golden fescue wave in the ever-present breeze. Wide, emerald fairways framed by huge, jagged-edged bunkers create jaw-dropping views from almost every tee.

From the elevated tee box on No. 4, Tock pointed out that flagsticks on nine holes were visible. From almost any point on the course, golfers can face east and see Holy Hill looming in the distance, a beacon guiding them home to the Irish manor clubhouse.

In terms of the U.S. Open, there is so much room for spectators and corporate hospitality, the '17 Open most likely will set attendance records.

"This has the potential to be the No. 1 spectator course in the 117-year history of the U.S. Open," Tock said. "There's no other course that has the ease of moving people around and the natural amphitheaters for viewing. We could accommodate 65,000 to 75,000 spectators here."

Where would all of those people stay? Just asking.

The story includes a nice gallery of images as well.