Matt Hahn
Matt Hahn
Matt Hahn
Matt Hahn
Matt Hahn
Matt Hahn
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Overview
Merion East has long been considered the best course on the tightest acreage in America, and when it hosted the U.S. Open in 2013, its first since 1981, the present generation of big hitters couldn’t conquer this clever little course. They couldn’t consistently hit its twisting fairways, which are edged by creeks, hodge-podge rough and OB stakes and couldn’t consistently hold its canted greens, edged by bunkers that stare back. Justin Rose won with a 72-hole total of one-over-par, two ahead of Jason Day and Phil Mickelson. With Gil Hanse's extensive two-year renovation after that tournament making even more improvements at Merion's East Course, the design should be even more polished and pristine when the Open returns again in 2030.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked every year since 1966.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 6th.
Highest ranking: 5th, 2015-2016.
Best in State: Ranked first in Pennsylvania four times (1989-1990, 1995-'96, '99-2000, 2015-'16). Ranked second in every other edition.
Current ranking: Second.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Merion is one of the top courses in the US. While not a long course, the yardage belies the challenges one faces. The driving areas are fair, but missing the fairways can lead to quite a bit of trouble. The bunkers are scattered throughout the course and can easily be a half stroke penalty if in the wrong one. The lightning fast greens are of great variety and contain some difficult positions. The layout variety is as strong as any course in the country. Starting with a nerve-wracking first tee ball right in front of the clubhouse on a short par 4 which bends gracefully to the right. Par 3s range from a wedge on the 13th to almost everything you got on the long 17th. The par 4s also test your full bag from the short 10th to the long 5th and 6th. Overall, Merion is easily one of the top 5-6 courses in the country."
Read More2024
Review
“Merion is the complete test for any level player. Since Gil Hanse in 2016 completed the renovation of this traditional parkland course, its conditioning is excellent. SubAir systems deliver perfect green conditions where very subtle slopes and grain place a great dependency on your caddie to give precise reads. The less than 7,000 yard course from the back tees understates the challenge, as the over 130 bunkers are strategically placed and cause the player to think his/her way on every hole. The greens are the primary defense of the Course, as each is unique, small and often well bunkered. No two holes are alike. The variety is very memorable with only two par 5s and an in-balance of a par 36 on the front and par 34 on the back. The closing "back five" keep the player on his/her heels with elevation changes, forced carries over the quarry and a finishing hole not to be forgotten. Beyond the great Course, enjoying a post-round beverage literally next to the first tee caps off a day not to be forgotten."
Read More2024
Review
“Merion East presents subtle challenges and immense shot options wrapped in superb conditioning and historic charm."
Read More2024
Review
“always a treat to play this gem. amazing experience"
Read More2023
Review
“Shot Options from opening tee shot to final putt. Strategic bunkers, water, quarry, green surfaces quick, generous tilt, and pure. Variety of hole design and good use of terrain."
Read More2023
Review
“For a short course, Merion East is sooo challenging! At 6100 yards, i haven't had so many "long" irons into holes and if you miss a shot, it is incredibly penal!"
Read More2023
Review
“Merion is a tremendous golf course and Club that scores extremely highly in numerous categories. On a very small property, under 7000 yards, Merion feels "big" with plenty of challenge in the form of strategic deep bunkers, brutal rough, and elevated greens. The first 6 holes are long and big, but the variety on display at Merion truly shows on holes 6-13, which are much shorter and require you to think around the course. Despite playing shorter, I don't think these holes are necessarily easier. The closing stretch is one of the most memorable and strong finishes in golf with the quarry par 4 16th beginning a very difficult stretch. The history and character here is palpable and golfers of all abilities would enjoy a round here."
Read More2023
Review
“About as good as it gets in the world of golf!"
Read More2022
Review
“Merion is an absolute treat to experience. Days after playing, you will find yourself thinking about specific holes and specific shots. It is hard to imagine coming up with that routing on such a small plot of land (and still provide enough width to play the course in different ways). The course is not long, but the clever layout provides more than enough challenge. The conditioning is firm and fast, allowing the ground game to come into play. The greens and surrounding areas provide enjoyment in the variety of options that you have to play. Overall, Merion is one of the most incredible and unique courses in the country, and a course I could never imagine getting tired of."
Read More2022
Review
“A wow"
Read More2022
Readers
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