Merion Golf Club | East Course

Explore the Golf Experience of Merion East in Ardmore PA

Mostly everyone who plays or even follows golf has heard of Merion. Located just outside one of the greatest cities in the United States, Philadelphia. Known for the iconic wicker baskets and a vast championship history. Hugh Wilson designed this beauty in 1912 after doing extensive scouting and research in Scotland. Since then the club has hosted the U.S. Open in 1934, 1950, 1971, 1981, and 2013. Even in the short-term, the 2030 U.S. open is coming back to Merion, along with several U.S. Women Opens. We do not always agree to well known platforms that rank courses, as they are typically very political. But with that being said, the course's pedigree is truly unmatched, consistently ranking in America's top 10 greatest golf courses. The clever little track impressively ranked 6th in 2021. There are so many things to uncover about this golf course and our experience on these sacred grounds. It was truly a privilege to walk and take in the history with every step.

The Challenge

The character of this course is perhaps the greatest distinction we can make. Well, there is just no other course like it. If you watched the 2013 US Open on your TV, you frequently heard about the courses' acreage. The layout is known for being on a small plot of land, compared to other extraordinary golf courses. But when you are out playing, it feels very open and vast. Your view does not stop with the hole you are on. You can see what is to come, which has something to do with the excitement this place brings. The course certainly plays longer than the scorecard indicates - playing 6,600 yards from the back tees. The par 70 layout has players navigating tight twisting fairways, blind shots, strategic creeks everywhere, OB, thick rough, and challenging greens. Every shot is intimidating through possibly the best routing in golf. As you play your ball, you can feel the history that surrounds you.

Course Variety

One of our favorite things about excellent golf courses is the variety of golf holes. The most exciting golf takes place when different shots are required on every hole. The architecture is never boring and requires all types of shots. Merion has short holes, long holes, dogleg left, dogleg right, uphill, downhill, etc. The architecture dictates the shots required, we can't stress that enough about this place. If you miss in the wrong place, it is a challenge getting back in position to make a regulation score. But, if you hit the correct spots, the way the architecture dictates, you can make pars.

Conditioning

We have been very fortunate to travel and see many golf courses. There is truly not a blade of grass out of place. I can only say that about one other course - Augusta National, when the masters was being played. Like Augusta, the greens have a sub-air system that allows the course to achieve a certain amount of firmness. The greens will not hold a ball coming out of the rough. The fairways are mowed so tightly it feels like you are hitting off of a putting green. Playing off fairways that are rolled provide a challenge that is not often found. Proper technique is required to hit good golf shots. If you miss your mark, it will most likely result in a bogey, and even more likely worse.

Fun

This place is the epitome of classic American golf, but one of the best experiences you can imagine. The finishing stretch from holes 14-18 are inspirational. After a challenging start, you realize the day at Merion is not about your score. Bogeys feel like pars, and pars feel like birdies. You will never forget walking up 18, passing Mr. Hogans plaque, and seeing the infinity fairway and greens. You'll be wishing your round was not yet over.

The golf course is just one aspect of your experience. The staff and clubhouse provide an atmosphere that challenges the status quo. Most individuals think Merion has a stuffy vibe to it, but that could not be further from the truth. The membership and staff is incredibly friendly. When you are there, it feels like you belong.