Matt Hahn
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Matt Hahn
Matt Hahn
Matt Hahn
Matt Hahn
Stephen Szurlej
Stephen Szurlej
Merion Golf Club: East
Ardmore, PA•Private
Awards
Panelists Score
Merion Golf Club: East
450 Ardmore Ave
Ardmore, PA 19003-1097
United States
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. Additionally, players 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 U.S. Amateur returns in 2026 and the U.S. Open returns again in 2030.
About
Golf Digest 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
“From the opening drive until the final putt , every shot on this course had unique challenges that demanded your complete focus. The bunkering was beautiful and incredibly strategic. Greens were very fast with challenging undulations. A tremendous golf course."
Read More2026
Review
“Merion is a perennial top course in the nation for good reason. While not unfairly long, fairways are a premium, as the rough is extremely penal. Bunkers add to the character and challenge of the course. Conditioning was firm and fast, and putts rolled true. The layout variety is fantastic, which also demands various shot options both off the tee and into greens. Oh, and you won't find a more nerve-wracking first tee shot to start any round. This is an invite you don't pass up."
Read More2026
Review
“The East Course at Merion is a usual placeholder in the nation's top ten, and it would be hard to believe otherwise. A rich history of evolution and tournament play hides the strength of the individual holes, hazards, and great variety found here. It is both a relic of a bygone era, nestled in a busy neighborhood close to the city, and an evolved modern test, stretched far enough to host the best players in the world. A round at Merion is a singular treat, one of the country's best golf days!"
Read More2025
Review
“If invited, Merion East is a "drop everything" to go play experience. Get there early...stay late...soak it all in."
Read More2025
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
