Merion Golf Club East Course

United States · 18 holes · Par 72 · Designed by Hugh Wilson · Est. 1912

Independently reviewed
Updated Apr 2026
Green Fee
Contact for rates
Holes
18
Par
72

Overview

{"setup":"Championship conditioning. Well-maintained classic course.","difficulty":"Moderately difficult to very difficult depending on setup.","terrain":"Rolling terrain with strategic bunkering. Links-influenced design.","character":"Classic American Golden Age design with strong strategic element

History

{"founded":1912,"designStory":"Hugh Wilson created Merion during the Golden Age of American golf architecture. Wilson traveled to Scotland to study British courses before designing.","notableMoments":["Hosted U.S. Open 3 times (1934, 1971, 1981)","Hosted U.S. Amateur 3 times (1913, 1930, 1966)","Hos

Signature Holes

0

Classic par-4 with bunkers guarding both sides. Short but strategically demanding hole.

1

Challenging par-4 with strategic bunkering and elevation changes. Well-named for surrounding vegetation.

2

Famous par-4 named for massive bunker on the left (the 'Chinese Wall'). Strategic decisions required.

3

Demanding par-3 with water hazard guarding the green. Requires precise approach shot.

4

Iconic finishing hole. Par-4 with dramatic approach over a bunker. One of most famous finishing holes in American golf.

Pros & Cons

✓ The Good

  • Iconic American golf course
  • Hugh Wilson masterpiece
  • Rich championship history
  • Beautiful Main Line Philadelphia location
  • Excellent maintenance and conditioning
  • Historic finishing hole

✗ The Challenges

  • Extremely exclusive membership
  • Membership by invitation only
  • Expensive initiation and dues
  • Very limited guest access
  • High bar for membership
  • Cannot be played publicly