Illustrative imageArdmore, Pennsylvania
Merion Golf Club: East
About the club
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.
Amenities
Golf Course
Club House
Driving Range
Putting Greens
Pro Shop
Dining
Fitness
Swimming Pool
Courses (2)
Membership
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Merion Golf Club: East
Membership
2026/27
Monthly Equivalent
On request
over 10 yrs
Year 1 Total
On request
Lifetime Total
On request
These figures are estimates you set. They are not published club prices. Enquire on this page for current membership pricing. Estimates do not include food and beverage minimums, capital assessments, or activity fees.
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Private Clubs team
Location
450 Ardmore Avenue, Pennsylvania 19003, United States
Reviews
4.7
174 reviews
Visiting Merion Golf Club was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the elegance and rich history of the club. The grounds are meticulously maintained, and the course layout is both challenging and rewarding—truly a masterpiece for golfers of all skill levels. The staff was exceptionally professional and welcoming, ensuring that every detail of my visit was perfect. From the pro shop to the caddies, everyone went above and beyond to provide top-tier service. The clubhouse itself is classic and refined, offering great dining options and a relaxing environment to unwind after a round. Merion is not just a golf course—it’s a place where tradition and excellence come together. Playing here feels like walking through golf history, especially on the East Course, which has hosted numerous USGA championships. The fairways, greens, and bunkers are all in pristine condition, and the course demands strategy, precision, and creativity. Whether you’re here for a round, an event, or simply to enjoy the facilities, Merion Golf Club delivers an exceptional experience on every level. It’s no surprise it’s consistently ranked among the top courses in the country.
Emron Khann
Merion is a crown jewel in the world of golf courses. In Ardmore, among the urban sprawl of Philadelphia, lies a battleground. Not of wars fought with guns and fury, but with irons and willpower. It is not only historic, but it has endured the test of time more than any other golf course in America. Merion Golf Club, with its storied East Course, is both a relic of the past and a challenge of the present. From the outset, Merion is deceptive. Its length, shorter than the monsters of today, may lull one into a false sense of complacency. But do not be fooled. Like the swift currents beneath a calm sea, Merion demands respect. Do not forget that the winning score of the US Open was over par. The Hugh Wilson design is a masterpiece in strategy. It's not just about power but precision. The small, treacherous greens and cunningly placed bunkers speak of an era where the course was the ultimate riddle, and the golfer, the eager reader, trying to decode its secrets. Merion's bunkers, with their trademark wicker baskets, are not just hazards. They're icons. Each stands tall, whispering tales of yesteryears, of legends like Hogan and his immortal 1-iron, of battles waged and victories hard-earned. The course is not about brute strength; it's about the dance, the balance, the rhythm. It’s akin to a well-penned story where every shot, every choice, weaves the plot, leading you down a path of introspection and realization. Water, at Merion, is both friend and foe. The streams and creeks, like the ever-flowing passage of time, wait silently, ready to claim any errant shots, teaching lessons in humility. Yet, amid this stern test, there is undeniable beauty. The lush fairways, the age-old trees standing sentinel, the club's history etched into every blade of grass. They beckon, inviting one to be a part of the legacy. In the heart of Ardmore, Merion stands not just as a test of golf but as a testament to the spirit of the game. It’s where history, challenge, and beauty entwine, offering a narrative that is both timeless and enduring. To play Merion is to journey through the pages of golf's grand epic. And as with all great tales, it's not the end but the journey that remains etched in memory.
Kheeto Diet
Playing Merion East was an even more fun than I had hoped for! The condition of the course and history of the club is such a great experience. The greens are very fast but, I loved the greens!!! Some of the best that I have played!!
David Kaufman