Merion Golf Club, East Course - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

The 113th US Open, surprise victory by Justin Rose, brought some high-octane golf to the usually tranquil East Course at Merion Golf Club. Todays course review takes golf fans on a tour of this top-class facility.

Founded in 1896, Merion Golf Club is nestled in the secluded suburb of Haverford Township and lies just north of Philadelphia. Merion is an exclusive private golf club that is regularly ranked as one of the best in North America, and is made up of two golf courses – aptly named West and East.

The East Course is Merion’s showpiece, having hosted five US Opens. Designed by Hugh Wilson, an avid golfer from Scotland who made his home in Haverford in the early 1900s, the East course was inspired by some of the best Scottish courses.

The 18-hole East course takes two of its distinctive features from Scotland – challenging holes with tricky lies, and Scottish-style bunkers which are known to locals as the “white faces of Merion”. Naturally, this means that accurate drives, a polished short game, and a fearless approach to the sand are some of the requirements for enjoying a round of golf at this historic golf course. Here are some notable features of the course:

• The course features two par fives on the front nine – a tough opening to the round but also an opportunity for lower scoring early in the day.

• Each flag on the East Course is in the shape of a wicker basket – this is in honour of Scottish shepherds who attached baskets to the top of their crooks.

• The par 4 tenth hole is one of the easiest on the course, and with a careful tee shot, this hole presents a great birdie opportunity.

Merion Golf Club is a private facility, but guests are permitted on certain days. The East Course is a walking course, with no golf carts available. Green fees are approximately $300, including a caddy. For more information, golfers can visit the club’s website.

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