Erin Hills Golf Course outside of Milwaukee

Erin Hills Golf Course is a links course out in Wisconsin farmland that's emerged as the favorite to host the 2017 U.S. Open.

It's only about a 40-minute drive from downtown Milwaukee but feels like it's another world away. The golf course is completely free of houses or any looks at buildings besides the stone clubhouse or the cart barn that's literally a big towering wood barn.

With all four par 5s stretching to more than 600 yards from the back tees, Erin Hills is certainly no pushover. It also features a number of blind shots, though a USGA-wanted renovation that began in October of 2008 will change some of that. What will not switch is how the par 3s will test you, including the blind tee shot par 3 seventh hole. You have to ring a bell when you putt out to let golfers behind know it's safe to go.

There's no question a lot of golfers will be going to Erin Hills on special trips in the future, though.

Erin Hills Golf Course No. 11 bunker

Some of Erin Hills Golf Course's bunkers look like alien shapes.

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Erin Hills Golf Course scorer's barn

You won't forget you're on farmland at Erin Hills Golf Course.

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Erin Hills Golf Course clubhouse

Erin Hills Golf Course's clubhouse looks like an old stone inn, and you can stay in it overnight, too.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 1

Erin Hills Golf Course's first hole shows the forced clears you'll deal with.

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Erin Hills Golf Course tractor

Erin Hills Golf Course Owner Bob Lang used to drive tractors like this to cut the grass himself.

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Erin Hills Golf Course - clubhouse

Erin Hills Golf Course'a clubhouse is the only building you'll see from the course.

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Erin Hills Golf Course hole - 1

Erin Hills Golf Course's first hole doglegs toward a hill.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 2

Erin Hills Golf Course's second hole has a tee shot down to a rolling fairway.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 2 green

Erin Hills Golf Course's second green is set back and well-guarded.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 3

Erin Hills Golf Course's third hole shows the small potbunkers you'll find.

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Erin Hills Golf Course hole no. 3

Erin Hills Golf Course is links design that will give you plenty of roll-on shots.

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Erin Hills Golf Course 4th green

Erin Hills Golf Course's greens come in all shapes, sizes and challenges.

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Erin Hills Golf Course bunker

Erin Hills Golf Course's bunkers can be deep and daunting.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 5

There are a number of forced carries over tall, thick grass from the tees at Erin Hills Golf Course.

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Erin Hills Golf Course 9th hole

Erin Hills' ninth hole is one tough, long par 4.

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Erin Hills Golf Course seventh hole

On Erin Hills Golf Course's No. 7 - a par 3 - you'll only see the top of the hill from the tee.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 10

Erin Hills Golf Course's No. 10 is a 652-yard par 5 that seems to stretch forever.

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Erin Hills Golf Course cart barn

At Erin Hills Golf Course, the cart barn is really a barn.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 14

Erin Hills Golf Course's 14th is one of four par 5s over 600 yards.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 15 green

Erin Hills Golf Course's 15th green is a tricky, undulating par denier.

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Erin Hills Golf Course No. 16

Putting is a huge part of the game at Erin Hills Golf Course.

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Erin Hills Golf Course 15th

Erin Hills Golf Course's 15th hole shows the curve in the fairways.

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Erin Hills Golf Course snack shack

Erin Hills Golf Course's bathrooms and snack shack are made to fit into the surroundings, too.

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Erin Hills Golf Course - hole no. 17

It's no small carry off the tee at Erin Hills Golf Course's 17th.

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Erin Hills Golf Course 17th green

Erin Hills Golf Course's 17th green is a curving putting challenge.

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Erin Hills Golf Course 18

Erin Hills Golf Course closes with a tough 18.

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Erin Hills Golf Course dedication sign

Erin Hills includes a sign from upstart owner Bob Lang.

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