MERION GOLF CLUB
🇺🇸 Ardmore, PA, USA
Designed by Gil Hanse, Hugh Wilson, Perry Maxwell, William S. Flynn
East at Merion Golf Club is the storied companion to its more celebrated West Course, a stern test in its own right that has humbled many a golfer seeking a gentler experience in Ardmore. Carved during the Golden Age of course design, the East unfolds across rolling parkland, where mature trees and subtle elevation changes define the strategic challenge. It’s a course that rewards thoughtful shot-making over sheer power, with doglegs and angled fairways demanding a keen awareness of position. A slight cut of rough and more gentle greens offer a reprieve from the West, but it will punish with just as much severity when taken lightly.
Designed by Hugh Wilson shortly after his masterpiece, the East Course shares a similar design philosophy – emphasizing natural contours and penal bunkering. The course has received thoughtful updates over the years, ensuring its relevance for the modern game while preserving Wilson's original vision.
While the East Course hasn't hosted the same caliber of championships as its West sibling, it remains a vital part of the Merion experience. It’s a club course first and foremost, where members enjoy the challenges of both tracks. The East, with its easier to approach and secure tee times, has an abundance of spirited member games which often are settled in the clubhouse over a post-round cheesesteak – a local favorite, and a common sight among the camaraderie found within Merion's walls.
Reviews
Awesome track. Not long, but very strategic with penal rough and sloped, fast greens. Tons of fun
Amazing golf course and maybe the hardest I have played.
Course felt like a jigsaw puzzle. Remarkable use of a small tract of land.
Charming walk.
A perfect place. From the history to the layout, to the conditions and even the showers…Merion is a delight.
I mean where do I begin. Absolutely incredible experience, from the course to the caddies to the people. Man what a day. Hardest course I’ve ever played and I had a fantastic time doing it
Incredible experience. The caddies are top notch, ours was telling us all about Justin Rose’s US Open, where he hit each shot etc. Awesome locker room that looks like it hasn’t changed since the day it was built. Only complaint is that guests are not made to feel welcome - which isn’t surprising. That’s not a knock at all, it’s just how it is. That said, if you get the chance, clear your calendar no matter the cost.
Unbelievable course given the land that it’s on. Probably my favorite routing in the world. The best opening tee shot in golf hands down. The course is incredibly difficult, but super enjoyable. The quarry holes are unforgettable.
Best old school feel out there. It’s stood the test of time for a reason. Seemingly underrated if that’s even possible for a T100
Everything from the course, pro shop, service, and food is first class. Can’t get much better
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
East at Merion Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 9.7 out of 10 based on 192 explicit golfer ratings.
East was designed by Gil Hanse, Hugh Wilson, Perry Maxwell, and William S. Flynn.
East at Merion Golf Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at East is 70.
East plays 6,592 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at East is 155.
