Erin Hills or Cog Hill 4

[asommers14]

I am taking a road trip from Minneapolis to Chicago to Arcadia Michigan and then up to Marquette Michigan. I was planning to play Cog Hill 4 but have been thinking about going to play Erin Hills instead. Cog Hill is 155 per round and Erin Hills is 200 per round. Does anyone have any opinions on either course to help me make my decision.

[Dpavs]

Depends on what you prefer... if you like grip it and rip style golf where you can go for it then I'd say Erin Hills... if you like more challenging course management and a shot makers style course then you may prefer Dubsdread (Cog 4). Both great courses just a lot different... form a panorama perspective I'd give the edge to Erin Hills if the scenery is equally or more important than the course itself.

[VNutz]

Depends on what you like in a course as they're 2 far different layouts. Erin Hills is more open like a links style course, which Arcadia is, but not really traditional links style. I believe Erin Hills requires a caddy as well, not entirely certain about that. Cog is more of a parkland style course with a lot of trees. Cog's got plenty of history, but only for PGA events and an Amateur whereas Erin Hills has had a recent Amateur and will have the US Open. I've heard praise and dislike towards both, some people think Cog isn't all that great and is overhyped, some people hate Erin Hills' layout. Cog Hill has probably a more traditional layout where Erin Hills has some more unique holes. From what I've seen I think Erin Hills would be the more difficult play.

Personally, all things equal, I'd probably go for Erin Hills. But you can't really go wrong either way IMO.

[oldpalchamp]

I have played Cog #4 numerous times, although just once since the redo a few years ago. Consider me to be in the camp of over-rated, over-hyped. It is somewhat better since the redo, but personally I wouldn't pay the money to play it again.

I played Erin Hills last year and really enjoyed it. It has a huge scale to it and the rolling land is spectacular. I wouldn't really describe it as a "grip it and rip it" course. It is very strategic, and offers different lines and angles on many of the holes. Erin Hills is walking only and has caddies available, but does not require one. They don't allow push/pull carts, and quite honestly, they would be very tiring to use because of the hills and rolling terrain.

Bottom line, any time I can get an opportunity to play a U.S. Open golf course, I take it. Oh, and the brats at the halfway house are the best I've ever had!

[Pure716]

Cog hill is pretty overrated. I don't remember when, but a few years ago the tour really voiced their opinions of the golf course. They try to make it overly difficult; way past 3" rough and the fastest greens they can make, until they are basically crusty. Don't get me wrong, it's a great course; however, I believe Erin Hills is better. There you get to play where the U.S. Open is going to be, and I will bet you that the fee to play Erin after 2017 will be above Whistling Straits. They are just starting to prepare for the U.S. Open now, so it's a great time to play. I will be playing it Saturday-Wednesday and am looking forward to it much more then earlier this year when I played Dubs. Just my take.

[asommers14]

Thank you all for your input. I think I am going to play Erin Hills just booked my tee time for the 21st of September if anyone is interested in joining feel free to send me a message.

[Dpavs]

Seems like the best choice to me

[UW Alumni 94]

I'd play Erin Hills....2017 U.S. Open. I don't think Cog Hill will be able to say that anytime soon. Erin Hills is definitely not a grip it and rip it course - it is very strategic las was mentioned already. They don't require a caddy but you must walk and carry your bag if you don't get a caddy.

[T Shaf]

good choice OP - although Dubs is a great course, it's not [i]that [/i]great.

Erin Hills is fantastic...you will enjoy it very much...

[T Shaf]

[quote name='UW Alumni 94' timestamp='1372378968' post='7338424']
I'd play Erin Hills....2017 U.S. Open.[b] I don't think Cog Hill will be able to say that anytime soon. [/b] Erin Hills is definitely not a grip it and rip it course - it is very strategic las was mentioned already. They don't require a caddy but you must walk and carry your bag if you don't get a caddy.
[/quote]

the only way this happens is if Reese comes back and gets it right this time...otherwise it's never.

[DavePelz4]

I'm a fan of Dubs but Erin Hills is a no brainer. Played it a couple of weeks ago and loved it. Planning a 2 day visit for July. It's very playable and a 8-10 mile walk predicated on the tees played. We took caddies which is a benefit in terms of not having to carry, lines to play and finding the occasional wayward shot. My only issue with EH was some of the yardages and reads we were given. Listen to their advice but play as you normally do. And if you have your own GPS, trust it.

[golfdad907]

[quote name='Kingofthecourse' timestamp='1372267489' post='7328488']
Cog hill is pretty overrated. I don't remember when, but a few years ago the tour really voiced their opinions of the golf course. They try to make it overly difficult; way past 3" rough and the fastest greens they can make, until they are basically crusty. Don't get me wrong, it's a great course; however, I believe Erin Hills is better. There you get to play where the U.S. Open is going to be, and I will bet you that the fee to play Erin after 2017 will be above Whistling Straits. They are just starting to prepare for the U.S. Open now, so it's a great time to play. I will be playing it Saturday-Wednesday and am looking forward to it much more then earlier this year when I played Dubs. Just my take.
[/quote]

I am originally from Chicago and lived in Orland Park about 10 mins from Cog HIll. I remember when Dubs Dread (#4) was $28 with a cart....anyway, I'd go Erin HIlls, as the others seem to agree, Cog is overrated and over priced, should be about a hundred dollar course, but that's just me.

[golfheaven69]

No comparison. EH all the way.

[hogans71]

[quote name='golfheaven69' timestamp='1372463419' post='7344690']
No comparison. EH all the way.
[/quote]

It truly is no comparison. Lived in the area for a LONG time. Dubs is easily one of the most overrated courses I've ever played-anywhere. We used to play it the Monday following the Western Open. Cool to play the course set up but... Just nothing to write home about..

[Well Played]

I don't know, Dubs gets a bad rap for some valid reasons, but it still is a solid track. And at $155, and a tour level course, it's not that bad. I think the overrated tag comes mostly from the pros complaining about it a few years ago. Had that never happened, the locals would continue to think it's the greatest track in the area.

Overpriced is relative, too. Hell, if Erin Hills were in the Chicagoland area it would be $300 easily. So you have to put it in perspective. I have lived in Chicagoland for a long time, and if someone told me to come up with a list of overpriced tracks in the area Dubs wouldn't even be on the first page.

If you are an avid golfer, I would doubt you would walk away from Dubs disappointed. Maybe not blown away, but certainly not disappointed.

One other thing to consider, EH is in the middle of nowhere, and it's flat out gonna be a 5 hour round. You could play Dubs in 3.5 hours if you pick the right time, and then turn another 18 at another solid track within 10 miles of Cog - there are many, and cheaper. EH is a full day commitment. And finally, yes, EH will be a US Open venue, but it will look and play a lot different in 2017 than it does today, you can count on that. So much so that you wouldn't really be able to look back and say, I played that course! As somebody earlier mentioned, they are already in prep mode - big changes coming!

Enjoy either way!

[T Shaf]

Golf Shaft Guy - I agree Dubs is a solid course but it's no longer a "Tour" level course...they f'd it up big time. C'mon if the tour guys don't want to come back because the green complexes are so ridiculous, it's a problem and I agree. It's a $80 - $100 course now and they will drop it sometime. Erin Hills in Chicagoland would be not much more that a $150 course or private...we don't have anything close to a $300 daily fee course here. Erin will play differently in the US Open but not much...all the course layout work was done prior to the US Am and it already has the length...I played before the changes and after the changes, it's much better now.

[Well Played]

[quote name='T Shaf' timestamp='1372531186' post='7350298']
Golf Shaft Guy - I agree Dubs is a solid course but it's no longer a "Tour" level course...they f'd it up big time. C'mon if the tour guys don't want to come back because the green complexes are so ridiculous, it's a problem and I agree. It's a $80 - $100 course now and they will drop it sometime. Erin Hills in Chicagoland would be not much more that a $150 course or private...we don't have anything close to a $300 daily fee course here. Erin will play differently in the US Open but not much...all the course layout work was done prior to the US Am and it already has the length...I played before the changes and after the changes, it's much better now.
[/quote]

Fair points T Shaf. Dubs still gets the demand for $155... Time will tell. And tour players are a tough crowd to please, so I'm not sure they are the best barometer for a public venue. If the tour doesn't come back the public will ultimately set the price over time, so we will see. But I sure hope you are right - $80-100 would be sweet!

And we have no public courses in the area that have recently held, or plan to hold, a U.S. Open. If this were the case, I would think that course could get $300 a round. I may be wrong, but we may never know...

And for full disclosure, I have no affinity to Cog. I've just played it a few times and really enjoyed it. Regardless of whether the tour comes back, that course will hold strong, even if with lower prices. I have not played EH, but plan to this summer and will report back.

[Colby327]

Glad you went with Erin Hills. Much more memorable round IMO.

[apprenti23]

Dubs is an extremely difficult golf course, especially after the redesign, the greens are very tricky to putt and the quadrant sections of each green are very difficult to manage. I do not like the bunkers because the rough within the bunkers is an absolute nightmare. I've played dubs twice this year (prob a dozen times since the redesign and fifty times all together) and with the growing season we've had that bluegrass rough is gnarly! Totally different than EH.

Erin Hills I've only played twice. I can't say a bad thing about the place other than it being expensive. Although it is not required to take a caddy- I HIGHLY recommend taking one. Not only because it is a long walk, but because leaving the green, you have no idea where the next tee box is sometimes. One of the cool things about Erin Hills is that they give you many options when teeing off. Multiple sets of tees from varying elevations, angles, and distances can make each hole seem different every time you play.

Where are you planning on playing in the UP? I recommend Sweet Grass and Timberstone.

[golfheaven69]

Walked off CH and thought nice track but nothing special. Walked off EH and loved the experience. Can't wait to play EH again.

[asommers14]

[quote name='apprenti23' timestamp='1372535995' post='7350766']
Dubs is an extremely difficult golf course, especially after the redesign, the greens are very tricky to putt and the quadrant sections of each green are very difficult to manage. I do not like the bunkers because the rough within the bunkers is an absolute nightmare. I've played dubs twice this year (prob a dozen times since the redesign and fifty times all together) and with the growing season we've had that bluegrass rough is gnarly! Totally different than EH.

Erin Hills I've only played twice. I can't say a bad thing about the place other than it being expensive. Although it is not required to take a caddy- I HIGHLY recommend taking one. Not only because it is a long walk, but because leaving the green, you have no idea where the next tee box is sometimes. One of the cool things about Erin Hills is that they give you many options when teeing off. Multiple sets of tees from varying elevations, angles, and distances can make each hole seem different every time you play.

Where are you planning on playing in the UP? I recommend Sweet Grass and Timberstone.
[/quote]

Ill be up there in September. Trust me there are a lot of courses that I wanted to get to but time isnt going to allow it this trip.

[thegooddoctor]

dont go out of your way and just play harborside (either 18 although the port is IMO better), just south of chicago. I spent 4 years in chicagoland and this was my favorite track. I got to play cog #4 a week before the western open(before now called BMW) when is was being grown out for the tourney, it was in great shape but the rough was about 6 in. Your not going to go wrong with any, but cog is more of a shot makers course and harborside is more linksy

[asommers14]

[quote name='thegooddoctor' timestamp='1372637055' post='7358172']
dont go out of your way and just play harborside (either 18 although the port is IMO better), just south of chicago. I spent 4 years in chicagoland and this was my favorite track. I got to play cog #4 a week before the western open(before now called BMW) when is was being grown out for the tourney, it was in great shape but the rough was about 6 in. Your not going to go wrong with any, but cog is more of a shot makers course and harborside is more linksy
[/quote]

I have thought about the harborside courses but Erin Hills isnt really out of my way all too much.

[Chrismydawg]

I'm playing Cog Hill Dubs in August with my dad. No way he could walk a course like EH. He is in love with Cog from watching it on TV so I got the round as a gift. I will admit that its kind of depressing to hear you guys say its overrated, but I'm sure you've all played much better courses than I.

[T Shaf]

[quote name='Chrismydawg' timestamp='1374114900' post='7478348']
I'm playing Cog Hill Dubs in August with my dad. No way he could walk a course like EH. He is in love with Cog from watching it on TV so I got the round as a gift. I will admit that its kind of depressing to hear you guys say its overrated, but I'm sure you've all played much better courses than I.
[/quote]

It will still be a fantastic time. Cog is still a great course, and should be in pristine condition. The green complexes are very difficult as they changed them significantly. Other than that it retains most of what he has seen on TV over the years. Do not worry...the overrated aspect is the cost compared to other top level courses in the area, especially since it's no longer a tour course.

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='T Shaf' timestamp='1374119615' post='7478960']
[quote name='Chrismydawg' timestamp='1374114900' post='7478348']
I'm playing Cog Hill Dubs in August with my dad. No way he could walk a course like EH. He is in love with Cog from watching it on TV so I got the round as a gift. I will admit that its kind of depressing to hear you guys say its overrated, but I'm sure you've all played much better courses than I.
[/quote]

It will still be a fantastic time. Cog is still a great course, and should be in pristine condition. The green complexes are very difficult as they changed them significantly. Other than that it retains most of what he has seen on TV over the years. Do not worry...the overrated aspect is the cost compared to other top level courses in the area, especially since it's no longer a tour course.
[/quote]

Well said Shaf. It's not an overrated course but it's not the very top tier. We're also playing it in August and i'm looking forward to it. The criticism that is often given is that so many of the approaches are to elevated greens and if you're not a high ball trajectory player, it's hard to hold the greens.

Personally I like the re-do on the green complexes as they're different and playing something out of the norm works for me.

[atn86]

Played Dubsdread for the first time a few weeks back. I was reluctant to spend $155 after reading all the criticism the courses receives.

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The course was in great shape, especially the greens. The pace of play was fantastic. I found the course to be challenging, yet fair. None of the holes were tricked up in any way. The course is right there in front of you and you simply need to execute quality shots and you will be rewarded. I will say the bunker complexes were more challenging than average. I'm a low single digit handicap who has a strong sand game, but I can imagine for those who struggle out of the sand, the very deep green side bunkers would present quite the challenge.

As far as value, if the course was $80-100 (the price of other top tier courses in Chicago), I'd be there all the time. But for $155, it will be a 1-2x a year course for me. I do think that keeping the price higher than the competition tends to keep hackers off the course, thus the conditioning and pace of play is very good.

Just my 2c.

[Chrismydawg]

So I made it to Cog Hill Dubsdread this weekend and it was the most challenging course I've ever played. The bunkers were about as tough as I could imagine, very deep and hard to get shots close from these pits. The layout was fun and it made it very important to hit precise shots into the greens. There were loads of tee boxes for different levels of players. The greens were tricky, fast, but fair. The par 5's were hard to reach in two outside of #5. The par 3's were long and very beautiful from the tee box. We finished our round in 4:20 starting at 8:40am on Saturday which is pretty good as far as I'm concerned. Only a few holes run parallel to each other, the back 9 only once. Only two beefs with the course is the carts don't have GPS although the fairways and tee boxes are plated quite a bit with yardages to front middle back. The staff is friendly and welcoming although we were told to pick up the pace even though nobody was behind us. Price is high ($155) and this includes cart and a small? bucket of range balls-not sure why range isn't unlimited for the price. All in all I love this track and I will return, hopefully soon. Shot 83 from the tips (not me in the photos thats dad playing from the whites) and it was difficult as I'm a 4.5 hcp.


[attachment=1851079:100_0873.JPG]

Par 5 hole #5

[attachment=1851083:100_0876.JPG]

Par 3 hole #14

[attachment=1851081:100_0874.JPG]

Par 4 hole #8 My favorite

[attachment=1851085:100_0879.JPG]

Par 4 hole #18

[golfheaven69]

Dang is that Arnie?

[Chrismydawg]

[quote name='golfheaven69' timestamp='1377473654' post='7743317']
Dang is that Arnie?
[/quote]

[attachment=1851461:100_0874.JPG][attachment=1851465:arnie.jpg]


Hmmmmmm...you could be on to something here!