WISCONSIN GOLFER l MAY/JUNE 2012
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Erin Hills offers new dining options to go along with increased fame
The menu in the Village Clubhouse restaurant will be new in 2012. Washington said the
evening menu would focus on great steaks and offer other items like whiskey-glazed
barbecue ribs, leg of lamb and a fresh fish or seafood entrée of the day. But items such as
bratwurst, cheese curds and a Wisconsin cheese plate will also be offered.
Now that the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship is in the rearview mirror, Erin Hills in
Erin can go back to catering to non-elite players looking for a great golf experience.
Much of that job falls upon Anthony Washington, Erin Hills’ new director of hospitality.
Washington served as a consultant the last couple years at Erin Hills, but he’ll be on the
job full time this season from May through October. Then he’ll go back to his other
seasonal job – sommelier at Augusta National GC, in his hometown of Augusta, Ga.
“We wanted to give the menu a sense of place,” Washington said. “We expect to have
people from around the nation come here and get a sense of Wisconsin. Just like when
you go to Augusta National, you get a sense of the South.”
Washington suggested that Erin Hills would take a two-pronged approach to food and
beverage this season based on its twin themes: Ireland and Wisconsin.
“We’re an Irish-themed golf course – it’s links-style – and we’re in the town of Erin, so
we do specialize in Irish whiskeys and scotches,” he said.
Erin Hills was introduced to an international audience last August thanks to the U.S.
Amateur Championship, and Washington expects a busy season this year in return. The
three rental cottages were popular in their first year of operation last season, and they
should be even busier this year, especially with groups of traveling players.
Washington said the facility will stock at least 15 varieties of Irish whiskeys and scotches
this season, in addition to a lengthy beer list and more than 75 wines.
Also new this year, Erin Hills will offer a monthly website feature focusing on food and
drink called “On Food and Wine.” Check out www.erinhills.com for the features on
cooking, selecting wines and other subjects. Washington said the topics will change but
hinted one of them might be a recipe for beer cheese soup.
