Hole 15 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 366 yds
- Hazards
- 1 bunker
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 26 yds deep × 35 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 · 366 yards
The plan for No. 15
The 15th at Merion Golf Club (East Course) is a 366.0-yard par 4 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize positioning over power. With the hole measuring only 366 yards, most golfers can reach the green with a driver, but this aggressive approach carries significant risk given the small target. The optimal play is typically a controlled tee shot with a 3-wood or long iron, leaving yourself in the ideal distance range for your most reliable approach club. Target the center of the fairway and focus on finding the optimal yardage for your approach shot. Many players benefit from working backward from their preferred wedge distance - if you're most comfortable with a sand wedge from 100 yards, plan your tee shot accordingly. The straight layout means you won't face any dogleg considerations, allowing you to focus purely on distance control and accuracy.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. The small green demands exceptional precision, and missing the target often leaves challenging recovery shots. Study the pin position carefully during your pre-round preparation, as this will heavily influence your strategy. When the pin is tucked in a corner, resist the temptation to attack it directly. Instead, aim for the center of the green and rely on your putting to get close. The small green size means that even a shot to the center leaves you with a reasonable birdie putt. Focus on smooth tempo and solid contact rather than trying to stick it close to a difficult pin position. Club selection is critical - take enough club to ensure you reach the green, as coming up short on a small target is particularly costly. Consider the conditions: firm greens may require a higher, softer shot, while receptive conditions might allow for a more aggressive, lower trajectory.
On the green
The small green at the 15th creates unique putting challenges. With limited surface area, even modest breaks can significantly affect ball roll. Spend extra time reading the green during practice rounds, paying particular attention to the subtle slopes that might not be immediately apparent. Speed control becomes paramount on a small green - you have less margin for error on both short and long putts. Focus on leaving yourself below the hole when possible, as uphill putts are generally easier to control on tight surfaces. The compact nature of the green means that most putts will be relatively short, so concentrate on starting the ball on your intended line.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 15 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,936 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 · 5d 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 15 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 366 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 366-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 15?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 15?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 15?
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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.