For the first time, Wisconsin will host the U.S. Open, giving local fans the rare and truly exciting opportunity to see the world’s best golfers play at Erin Hills, starting June 15.

Most recently ranked ninth among the country's 100 greatest public courses, according to Golf Digest, Erin Hills is located a mere 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee.

For those fortunate enough to be attending the event, there are many things to keep in mind, other than keeping an eye out for stray tee shots: where to eat, where to park and so forth. To assist in making the event as enjoyable as possible, here's a guide for attendees of the 2017 U.S. Open. 

Dates and times

Championship rounds one and two are Thursday, June 15 and Friday, June 16, respectively. 

During the first two rounds, tee times begin at 6:45 a.m. with the last of the players teeing off around 2:45 p.m. Pairs will tee off on either the first or 10th hole.

Rounds three and four are Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, respectively.

During rounds three and four, the first pair of players will usually tee off between 8 and 9 a.m. with the last pairing going around 3 p.m. During the final two rounds, all players tee off at the first hole.

Gates open to spectators at 6 a.m. until the conclusion of play during the championship rounds.

Parking

There are two complementary remote lots for U.S. Open spectators, the RED and BLUE lots. There is also one passenger drop-off lot. 

The RED lot was originally in Germantown, but it's been relocated to Washington County Fair Park in West Bend. The RED lot is your best bet if you're traveling from the north via I-41/US 45. 

The BLUE lot is located in Oconomowoc in Blue Ribbon Circle off Delafield Road. This lot is recommended for those traveling from areas west and south of Milwaukee. Both lots will have complimentary shuttles to Erin Hills.

The passenger drop-off lot is located at Erin School in Erin. The lot is a 10-minute walk to Gate 1 at Erin Hills. This lot is strictly for dropping off and picking up passengers, so don't even think about parking there.

For those who live close enough to bike to any of the three locations listed above, bike racks will also be provided. Owners are responsible for the security of their bikes.

For more details on parking, see the USGA parking page.

Dining

Since spectators will not have their vehicles on site at Erin Hills, dining either before or after attending the U.S. Open may be preferred. Below are a few locations where you can go to get a meal or just hangout and grab a drink before, after or during the action on the links. 

For those parking in the BLUE lot, here are a few dining options:

• Boomer’s Sports Bar and Grill

Boomer's features a full bar, daily specials, a pool table and darts if you want to keep the competition going.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Location: N29 W24483 Watertown Road, Pewaukee, WI

• Bernie’s Tap Room and Restaurant

Bernie’s showcases Waukesha’s largest variety of craft beer. And to soak up those tasty craft brews, they serve everything from pizza to sandwiches.

Hours: Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Friday: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Location: 351 West Main Street, Waukesha, WI

• Albanese’s Roadhouse

Albanese's is a family-focused Italian restaurant featuring a casual atmosphere and a menu of familiar Italian classics. 

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday: 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: 2301 Bluemound Road, Waukesha, WI

For more options, visit http://visitwaukesha.org/dining/.

Here are some options for those in the RED lot:

• Riverside Brewery and Restaurant

A riverfront spot serving all the favorites – including that classic Wisconsin staple, the Friday fish fry.

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: 255 S Main St, West Bend, WI 53095

• The Braising Pan

A German/American restaurant with a tavern-style setting.

Hours: Monday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: 1100 N Main St, West Bend, WI 53090

• Casa Tequila Restaurant and Bar

Casa Tequila serves all of the classic Mexican dishes you might want.

Hours: Sunday-Monday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: 150 S Main St, West Bend, WI 53095

For those who are picking up and dropping off at Erin School, here are a few dining options near Erin.

• Tally Ho Pub & Grill

An old time Irish tavern featuring pub staples.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Location: 1855 WI-83, Hartford, WI 53027

• Mineshaft Restaurant

A rustic family favorite restaurant serving American comfort foods – plus five bars and a game room.

Hours: Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: 22 N Main St, Hartford, WI 53027

• Hank's Restaurant and Drinkery

How can you not trust a place called a "drinkery"?

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: 11 S Main St, Hartford, WI 53027 

Merchandise

The place to get official 2017 U.S. Open gear will be the main merchandise pavilion, located at Fan Central through Gate 1. The main merchandise pavilion and the walk-up merchandise store will only be available to those with tickets during championship week on Monday, June 12 through Sunday, June 18.

Fan experiences

There's more to the U.S. Open than just the professional golfers going about their business. American Express will host three Fan Services locations on-site, offering a place for attendees to stop in, charge their phones and get championship information – plus American Express card-holders will be able to receive an American Express Radio.

Another place to check out is the Lexus Performance Experience located in Fan Central. This is where fans should go to take part in interactive golf experiences, such as a hole-in-one challenge for an opportunity to win a two-year lease on a 2017 Lexus RX, an opportunity to take a picture with the U.S. Open Trophy, a putting contest and also "Putt Like a Pro" Challenge.