Hole 16 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)

Par 4 • 428 Yards • Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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Tough

The 16th hole at Merion Golf Club (East Course) presents a deceptively challenging par 4 that has tested champions for over a century. This 428-yard straight-away hole appears straightforward from the tee, but its subtleties reveal themselves with each shot. The generous fairway invites an aggressive tee shot, yet precise positioning becomes critical for the approach to the small, well-protected green. What makes this hole particularly demanding is the premium it places on accuracy over distance - the compact green complex punishes anything but the most precise approach shots. At a course renowned for hosting five U.S. Opens, including Ben Hogan's miraculous 1950 comeback victory, the 16th exemplifies Merion's philosophy that strategic thinking trumps raw power, making every shot a calculated decision in this storied championship venue.

Tees:

428y407y356y

Green:34y × 43y

Fairway @250y:32y wide

1 Bunkerleft dogleg

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Merion Golf Club (East Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 4
Yardage: 428 yds
Green: 7816 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 144
Course Rating: 72.9

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

Play conservatively off the tee, laying up to the 200-yard mark where the fairway is a comfortable 36 yards wide. This leaves a manageable approach while avoiding the dramatic narrowing ahead.

hazard warning

Avoid aggressive drives beyond 220 yards - bunkers positioned at 222 yards combined with the fairway pinching to just 12 yards at 250 yards creates a high-risk scenario that can derail your hole.

approach

From the 200-yard layup position, you'll face a 228-yard approach to the center of this substantial green. The generous target measuring 34 by 43 yards allows for aggressive pin-hunting with mid-to-long irons.

green

Take advantage of the large 7,816 square foot putting surface by aiming for the center of the green. This gives you the best chance for birdie putts while eliminating short-side trouble around this sizable target.

tee shot

For longer hitters tempted to challenge the 428-yard length, remember that the fairway becomes nearly unplayable at 12 yards wide at the 250-yard mark - accuracy trumps distance on this strategic par 4.

train this shot at home

This 428-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Focus on getting your approach inside 20 feet. Two putts from there and you walk away with par.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy off the tee?

For this 428-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.

How difficult is hole 16?

This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: large green requiring good lag putting.

How big is the green on hole 16?

The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.

What's a good score on hole 16?

This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.

Can I practice hole 16 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Merion Golf Club (East Course). You can play this exact 428-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →