Hole 9 at Erin Hills Golf Course
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 165 yds
- Stroke index
- 17
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 27 yds deep × 24 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 3 · 165 yards
The plan for No. 9
The signature 9th hole at Erin Hills Golf Course stands as one of the most famous short par 3s in modern golf, concluding the outward nine with architectural brilliance. This 165-yard masterpiece combines elements of a reverse Redan with a distinctly domed putting surface reminiscent of Pinehurst's crowned greens. The tee shot demands precision to a firm, fast-playing green that sheds errant shots with unforgiving slopes. Wind conditions, common at this links-style venue, add another layer of complexity to club selection. The green's subtle contours and elevated position create multiple pin positions that can dramatically alter the hole's difficulty. This deceptively challenging par 3 perfectly encapsulates the Erin Hills philosophy of strategic design, where precise execution is rewarded and wayward shots are punished by the natural terrain's movement.
Off the tee
Club selection is paramount on this hole, with most golfers requiring a mid-iron to short-iron depending on wind conditions. The key is committing to enough club to reach the green, as the firm conditions can work against shots that come up short. Target the center-left portion of the green for most pin positions, allowing the natural contours to feed your ball toward the hole. Wind is a constant factor at Erin Hills, so factor in the prevailing conditions and take at least one extra club if there's any doubt about distance.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par-3, your tee shot is your approach. The domed green design means precision trumps power—focus on a smooth, controlled swing that finds the putting surface. The reverse Redan characteristics create natural collection areas, but also mean that shots landing on the wrong tier can leave challenging putts. Aim for the fat part of the green and let the architecture work in your favor rather than trying to attack tight pin positions.
On the green
The domed putting surface creates subtle but significant breaks that can fool even experienced golfers. Putts generally break away from the center of the green, with the crowned design creating multiple tiers and collection areas. Pay close attention to the grain and firmness—balls will roll further than expected on this fast surface. Conservative putting strategy often yields better results than aggressive lines, especially on longer putts where speed control becomes critical. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision centers on pin position and wind conditions. When the pin is tucked in a challenging location, the smart play is targeting the center of the green and accepting a longer putt rather than risking short-siding yourself. The firm conditions mean aggressive shots can quickly turn into bogey or worse, while conservative play often results in manageable par putts. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **High-Handicap Players**: Focus entirely on finding the green with a smooth, controlled swing. Take plenty of club and aim for the center of the putting surface, ignoring pin positions. The goal is avoiding the surrounding areas and giving yourself a chance at par with good course management. **Low-Handicap Players**: Can be more aggressive with pin hunting, but should still respect the green's contours and firm conditions. Consider the wind direction and green firmness when selecting target lines. Use the reverse Redan design to your advantage by understanding how balls will feed toward collection areas. The 9th hole epitomizes Erin Hills' championship pedigree—seemingly straightforward but demanding respect for its architectural nuances. Success comes from embracing the links-style playing conditions and making smart, strategic decisions rather than forcing aggressive plays.
Watch for
- Sand_1 — Greenside center
- Sand_2 — Greenside center
- Sand_3 — Greenside center
- Sand_4 — Greenside center
- Sand_5 — Greenside center
- Sand_6 — Greenside center
- Sand_7 — Greenside center
- Water — Crossing center
Hole 9 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,372 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 9 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 165 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 165 yards, most golfers will need a mid-iron (7-iron to 8-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 9?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play, heavily bunkered, small green.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?
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Key hazards include: 7 greenside bunkers; water at 208.8 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 9?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 9?
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This hole is a solid par with birdie chances for precise approach shots. Making par is a good result here. Focus on hitting the green and avoiding three-putts.