Gov. Doyle: Applauds USGA award of 2017 U.S. Open Golf Championship to Erin Hills

Contact: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle applauded today’s announcement by the United States Golf Association that Erin Hills in Erin, WI will host the 2017 U.S. Open Championship.

“Hosting the U.S. Open will be an incredible economic opportunity for Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle announced. “In Wisconsin we have shown that we know how to put on a successful major golf championship, and we’ve seen the positive economic impacts that come with hosting one – through commerce, tourism and worldwide attention. Wisconsin is quickly becoming known across the globe as a marquee tourist destination for great golf and challenging courses.”

An independent analysis of the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines showed that the championship brought an economic benefit to the San Diego area of roughly $160 million, including between $20 and $25 million spent by the USGA in the community to operate and conduct the U.S. Open. Additionally, the U.S. Open will be brought to 80 million people in more than 100 countries by nearly 2,000 credentialed media.

“We are thrilled to bring our national championship to this exciting venue in the heartland of our nation,” said Jim Hyler, president of the USGA. “It’s a spectacular course that is sure to provide an outstanding challenge to the world’s best golfers. Selecting Erin Hills as the site of the 2017 U.S. Open Championship is also a sign of the USGA’s continuing commitment to public golf. Our national championship has been very well received at public facilities and we are certain that Erin Hills will maintain this track record of great success.”

Wisconsin has already demonstrated success in hosting a major golf championship, and more opportunities lie ahead for further business and tourism gains through golf. In 2004 Whistling Straits hosted the PGA Championship, selling more than 94,000 tickets, a huge boost to the state’s economy. The 94,000 attendees at the 2004 PGA Championship spent a combined $77 million at area hotels, restaurants and businesses.

Whistling Straits will host the 92nd PGA Championship from August 9-15, 2010 as well as the PGA Championship in 2015 and the Ryder Cup in 2020. Other Wisconsin-based major championships include the 1998 U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run, and the 2007 U.S. Senior Open at Whistling Straits. The 2017 Championship will be the first time the U.S. Open is held in Wisconsin.

Erin Hills is a championship caliber golf course, inspired by classic Scottish and Irish courses and the layout is highlighted by land contours that were naturally shaped by the glaciers. The course is set to host the 2011 U.S. Amateur Open and is currently undergoing renovations.

The reopening of Erin Hills on July 31 of this year will further solidify Wisconsin’s status as a unique golf destination with two major championship courses that are open to the public. This provides a great opportunity for golf enthusiasts and tourists from around the world seeking to test their golf games.