ERIN, Wis. — May 28, 2025 The U.S. Women’s Open, one of the most prestigious championships in professional golf, will make its debut at Erin Hills Golf Course from Thursday to Sunday. Announced in 2021, the event marks the first time the women’s major will be held at the walking-only public course in southeast Wisconsin—previously host to the 2017 U.S. Open.
This 80th edition of the U.S. Women’s Open, presented by Ally, underscores a significant milestone in the tournament’s long and storied history. First played in 1946 and governed by the United States Golf Association (USGA) since 1953, the U.S. Women’s Open remains the most coveted prize in women’s golf, attracting elite players from around the globe. The USGA, founded in 1894, serves as the governing body for the sport in the United States and Mexico, overseeing everything from the rules of play to handicapping and the administration of national championships.
Erin Hills is no stranger to championship pedigree. Located roughly 40 minutes northwest of Milwaukee, the course sits on 652 acres of glacial terrain in the Kettle Moraine region. Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry, and Ron Whitten, Erin Hills emphasizes minimalism, with a layout shaped by nature rather than bulldozers. Its bentgrass fairways and greens and no-cart policy preserve the integrity of traditional links-style play. Since its opening in 2006, Erin Hills has hosted a number of significant USGA events, including the 2008 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links, the 2011 U.S. Amateur, and the 2017 U.S. Open.
The story of Erin Hills is as compelling as the events it has hosted. It began with Bob Lang, a businessman who purchased the property in 1999 with a vision to create a world-class course capable of hosting a U.S. Open. Though Lang successfully launched the course in 2006, financial strains forced him to sell in 2009. The new owner, Milwaukee’s Andy Ziegler, brought financial stability and refinement to the project, enhancing its infrastructure while preserving its original spirit. Under Ziegler, Erin Hills matured into one of the premier golf venues in the country.
Preparations for the 2025 championship began well in advance, with the course and local organizers working closely with the USGA to handle logistics for players, media, and fans. Erin Hills offers on-site lodging in the form of its manor home and cottages.
The championship also brings considerable economic benefit to the region. According to Visit Milwaukee and USGA estimates, the tournament is expected to generate between $13 million and $30 million in economic activity through hotel bookings, dining, tourism, and media exposure. In addition to local revenue, the event provides substantial public relations value, with television coverage across USA Network and Peacock, and extensive social media engagement.
On the course, eyes will be on defending champion Yuka Saso. The 22-year-old, who first won the U.S. Women’s Open in 2021 as a representative of the Philippines and again in 2024 under the Japanese flag, seeks to become only the fifth woman in history to win three titles. Also in contention are world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who’s coming off a dominant LPGA season, and Minjee Lee, the 2022 champion and one of the tour’s most consistent ball-strikers. The field will include both seasoned champions and rising amateurs, all vying for the largest purse in women’s golf.
Wisconsin has become an increasingly important player in the national golf landscape. Beyond Erin Hills, the state boasts championship venues like Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, both located in Kohler. Whistling Straits has hosted multiple PGA Championships (2004, 2010, 2015) and the 2021 Ryder Cup, while Blackwolf Run has twice hosted the U.S. Women’s Open (1998, 2012). The state also welcomed the U.S. Senior Open to Whistling Straits in 2007, affirming its reputation as a premier golf destination.
As Wisconsin continues to elevate its profile in the sport, the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open promises to be another landmark moment—an event that blends world-class competition with Midwestern hospitality, scenic beauty, and a reverence for the game’s traditions.
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