Hole 7 at Erin Hills Golf Course
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 607 yds
- Stroke index
- 1
- Hazards
- 17 bunkers
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 42 yds deep × 47 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 607 yards
The plan for No. 7
The #1 handicap hole at Erin Hills Golf Course demands respect from the opening tee shot on this demanding 607-yard par 5. This straight, no-nonsense test of length and precision showcases the course's championship pedigree through its deceptively challenging design. The generous fairway invites aggressive drives, but the real challenge emerges on the approach to the small, elevated green complex. Rolling Wisconsin terrain creates semi-blind conditions with certain pin positions, making course management and local knowledge invaluable. Despite lacking traditional hazards, this hole's length and subtle undulations punish wayward shots while rewarding strategic play. The compact green demands pinpoint accuracy on longer approach shots, making three-putting a constant threat. This hole epitomizes Erin Hills' philosophy of using natural topography to create memorable golf challenges.
Off the tee
Launch your drive with confidence down the center of the fairway, as the straight layout provides a clear target line. Driver is the obvious choice for most players to maximize distance on this lengthy hole. The key is finding the fairway to ensure a clean lie for your second shot - accuracy trumps an extra 10-15 yards of distance when you're facing such a long approach. Aim for the center-right portion of the fairway to provide the best angle for your layup shot.
Approach & recovery
Your second shot strategy depends entirely on your driving distance and remaining yardage. Most players will be laying up to their preferred wedge distance, typically leaving 80-120 yards to the pin. Focus on positioning your ball in the center of the fairway to avoid any uneven lies that could complicate your third shot. For longer hitters who can reach in two, the small green demands pinpoint accuracy - consider whether the risk of missing the target is worth the potential eagle opportunity.
On the green
The small green requires precise approach shots and careful putting. According to local knowledge, the green can play semi-blind with left pin positions due to the surrounding hills, making a caddie or course knowledge invaluable. The narrow, sloping surface means approach shots must be hit to the correct level to avoid challenging two-putts. Study the green carefully before your approach to identify the safest areas to miss if you're slightly off target. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole presents a classic risk/reward scenario for longer hitters. Going for the green in two offers eagle potential but requires exceptional accuracy to hit the small target. The safer play is a well-positioned layup that sets up a comfortable wedge shot. Given the hole's #1 handicap rating, par is an excellent score that keeps you in good position for the remainder of the round. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players:** Focus on three steady shots rather than trying to overpower the hole. Use driver off the tee, then two conservative shots to reach the green. Don't be tempted to go for distance on your second shot - instead, lay up to your most comfortable wedge distance and trust your short game. **Low-Handicap Players:** This hole rewards strategic thinking over pure aggression. If you can drive it over 280 yards, consider going for the green in two when conditions are favorable. Otherwise, position your layup shot carefully to leave your preferred approach distance. The small green demands precision, so club selection on your approach is critical - take one more club and swing smoothly rather than forcing a shot. The absence of traditional hazards makes this hole about execution and smart course management rather than avoiding trouble. Success here comes from respecting the distance while maintaining aggressive confidence in your shot-making ability.
Watch for
- Sand_1 — Greenside center
- Sand_10 — Crossing center
- Sand_11 — Crossing center
- Sand_12 — Crossing center
- Sand_13 — Crossing center
- Sand_14 — Crossing center
- Sand_15 — Crossing center
- Sand_16 — Crossing center
Hole 7 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 12,779 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Erin Hills Golf Course — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Erin Hills Golf Course. · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
The Major Cut @ Erin Hills
Can We Make Cut @ Erin Hills?! (Major Cut Ep. 5)
The back nine at Erin Hills with Riggs. Presented by @EveryManJack
World #2 Jeeno Thitikul at the U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills 🍀
Scottie Scheffler's peak, Erin Hills pops back, & Sponsor Exemption windfalls | The Shotgun Start
How did Hole 7 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 607 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 607 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 7?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, heavily bunkered, large green requiring good lag putting.
How big is the green on hole 7?
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The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.
What's a good score on hole 7?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.