Hole 12 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 371 yds
- Hazards
- 1 bunker · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 24 yds deep × 39 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 4 · 371 yards
The plan for No. 12
The 12th at Merion Golf Club (East Course) is a 371.0-yard par 4 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on finding the optimal position for your approach rather than simply maximizing distance. Most players should focus on the center-left portion of the fairway, which typically provides the best angle into the green. A well-struck driver is certainly in play for longer hitters, but accuracy trumps distance here. Consider a 3-wood or long iron if driver accuracy has been inconsistent, as leaving yourself a longer approach from the fairway is preferable to a shorter shot from trouble. The target line should favor avoiding any subtle slopes or rough areas that could create uneven lies. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they'll significantly impact club selection for the approach shot.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole's true character emerges. With a small green to hit, precision becomes paramount. The preferred miss is typically short rather than long, as recovery shots from behind small greens at Merion can be particularly challenging. Club selection should err on the side of taking enough club to reach the back of the green, then focusing on smooth tempo and solid contact. The small target demands confident commitment to your yardage and club choice. Avoid the temptation to force a shot - let the club do the work and focus on finding the center of the green. Consider pin position carefully, as the small green size means even a well-struck shot can leave challenging putts if you're on the wrong tier or section.
On the green
Merion's greens are renowned for their subtle breaks and firm conditions. On this small putting surface, speed control becomes critical - aggressive putts that miss can easily roll well past the hole. Read putts from multiple angles, paying special attention to the overall slope of the green. Most putts will have some break, even those that appear straight. Trust your read and commit to the line, but be conservative with speed on longer putts. Two-putting should be the primary goal unless you have a clear birdie opportunity inside 10 feet.
Watch for
- Water along the hole
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 12 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,760 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Merion Golf Club (East Course) — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Official & tour
Tour & network videos
Official coverage mentioning Merion Golf Club (East Course).
2026 U.S. Amateur: Quarterfinals at Merion Golf Club | Full Broadcast
2026 U.S. Amateur: Round of 64 at Merion Golf Club | Full Broadcast
2026 U.S. Amateur: Round of 16 at Merion Golf Club | Full Broadcast
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured Merion Golf Club (East Course). · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 6d ago
We Played a Match at My Favorite Course (Merion Golf Club)
Merion Golf Club's Sneakiest Hole | Great Golf Holes
The 18th Hole at Merion Golf Club: A Presentation Problem #golf
Merion Golf Club 101: 2026 U.S. Amateur Host | Designing Golf
How did Hole 12 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 371 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 371-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 12?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 12?
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Key hazards include: water at 210.0 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 12?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 12?
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This hole is a medium-length test where par is a solid result. A straightforward par 4 where course management pays off.