West at Merion Golf Club

West at Merion Golf Club stands as a testament to strategic golf, a demanding counterpoint to its more celebrated East Course sibling. Built in the rolling hills of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, the West presents a distinctly different test, one favoring accuracy and guile over sheer power.

Designed by Hugh Wilson, with later refinements by Toomey and Flynn, the West embraces its parkland setting. Fairways wind through mature trees, placing a premium on precise tee shots and approach play. The course offers more generous landing areas than the East, but errant shots are severely penalized by dense rough and strategically placed bunkers, many framing the greens demanding creative short game solutions. Don’t be surprised to witness a Merion member sporting plus-fours while walking the course.

While the West Course hasn’t hosted the same caliber of major championships as its neighbor, it remains a highly regarded and respected course in its own right. It is a cherished club for its members, with a vibrant and active golf community - one where serious golfers appreciate the challenge and camaraderie it provides.