The Complex Legacy of Steve Trattner and Erin Hills: A Tale of Dreams, Tragedy, and Golfing Glory

The Erin Hills Golf Course stands as a testament to design excellence and natural beauty, nestled in the heart of Wisconsin. As the site of the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, it showcases not only breathtaking golf but also a complicated history intertwined with the personal saga of its co-founder, Steve Trattner. In this article, we’ll explore Trattner’s journey from software engineer to architect of an iconic golf course and delve into the tragic events that led him to a life sentence in prison.

The Genesis of Erin Hills

Established in 2006, Erin Hills has garnered acclaim for its unique layout and striking landscape. The course is situated about an hour northwest of Milwaukee, surrounded by lush farmland and historical charm. The project began nearly a decade prior, initiated by Trattner, who discovered the idyllic land in the quaint town of Erin. His vision transformed what once seemed a dream into reality, coaxing several partners to invest in his passion for golf.

Steve Trattner: The Visionary Behind Erin Hills

Before his entanglement with the law, Trattner was an ordinary family man with a passion for golf that spiraled into an obsession. He was a middle-class software engineer who longed to break free from his mundane job and pursue a life steeped in the beautiful game. Abandoning a stable job, he proactively connected with interested investors until he found Bob Lang—a real estate developer intrigued by the project, albeit without prior golf experience.

The Realization of a Dream

With backing secured, Erin Hills opened to public acclaim, being named the Best New Course by GOLF Magazine. It was a peak achievement for Trattner, signaling not only a personal triumph but also positioning Wisconsin on the national golf stage. However, unbeknownst to the golfing world, Trattner’s life was about to spiral downward into tragedy.

The Crime That Changed Everything

Trattner’s dream quickly turned into a nightmare when, just months after Erin Hills opened, he was arrested for the shocking murder of his wife, Sin Lam. On January 4, 2006, a heated argument culminated in violence that resulted in Lam’s death. Though Trattner claimed self-defense, he later pled no contest to first-degree reckless homicide, receiving a 35-year prison sentence. This abrupt end to his aspirations left a permanent stain on the course’s foundation.

Life in Prison: Reflecting on Past Decisions

Years later, as he watches the U.S. Open coverage from his prison cell, Trattner grapples with conflicting emotions. He reflects on the achievements he helped foster, all while wrestling with the reality of his incarceration. Inside Waupun Correctional Institution, where he is surrounded by fellow inmates, Trattner fosters a bittersweet connection to Erin Hills, a place that had promised him everything, now serving as a painful constant reminder of his past choices.

The Ripple Effect on Erin Hills

Bob Lang, as Trattner’s partner in the project, has also faced the repercussions of those events. The U.S. Open’s success at Erin Hills brought financial boon to the area, yet it overshadowed Trattner’s pivotal role. Lang has often emphasized that without Trattner’s initial vision and drive, the course—and the subsequent championship—may never have come to fruition. This intricate history remains largely concealed from media narratives, which tend to focus instead on the glamorous aspects of the sport.

Community Reactions and Sentiments

The community surrounding Erin Hills remains split on their sentiments towards Trattner. Some people see him as a visionary who turned a dream into a reality, while others grapple with the moral implications of his crime. His children, Andy and Wendy, have occasionally visited, cherishing their father’s contributions while also coming to terms with the immense tragedy that engulfed their family. This duality exists in the broader narrative as well—how do we celebrate a golf course that represents success while acknowledging the dark history behind it?

The Continuing Legacy of Erin Hills

Erin Hills remains a standout destination in the golfing world, frequently mentioned among the best courses in America. Yet, the darker stories of its inception linger just beneath the surface. In recent events leading up to the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, media coverage has started to include more about Trattner’s involvement, even if it often remains in the shadows, overshadowed by the course’s glowing reviews.

The Future of Trattner’s Story

Despite his efforts to appeal his conviction, Trattner has yet to see any reasonable recourse. His aspirations to be free for future golf events like the U.S. Open remain dreams dimmed by the fact of his conviction. Yet, the richness of his memories connected to Erin Hills persists, and the complex interplay between his love for the game and the consequences of his actions offers a profound narrative about life, ambition, and its potential fallout.

In conclusion, the history of Erin Hills and Steve Trattner reflects the multifaceted human experiences of ambition, creation, and tragedy. As the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open approaches, it serves as a poignant reminder that sports can be a vehicle for dreams and a reflection of the intricate life stories that underpin them. Whether on the green or behind bars, the echoes of Trattner’s journey will forever intertwine with the storied land of Erin Hills.