Hole 16 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 428 yds
- Hazards
- 1 bunker
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 45 yds deep × 28 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 · 428 yards
The plan for No. 16
The 16th at Merion Golf Club (East Course) is a 428.0-yard par 4 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on positioning yourself for the best possible approach angle to the small green. Aim for the center-right portion of the fairway to open up the green for your approach shot. A driver is typically the right choice for most players, but stronger golfers might consider a 3-wood or hybrid if accuracy is more important than distance on a given day. The key is finding the optimal distance for your preferred approach club - many players benefit from leaving themselves a comfortable wedge or short iron rather than an awkward in-between distance.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where this hole shows its teeth. The small green demands exceptional precision, making club selection critical. Take one extra club and swing smoothly rather than forcing a shot. Target the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small target area makes going for pins a risky proposition. Pay attention to wind conditions, as they can dramatically affect ball flight on this exposed approach. A controlled fade or draw that matches the green's orientation will give you the best chance of holding this putting surface.
On the green
Merion's greens are known for their subtle breaks and firm conditions. On this small putting surface, lag putting becomes essential - getting your first putt close is more important than being aggressive. Read the green carefully from multiple angles, as the slopes can be deceptive. Focus on speed control above all else, as three-putts from this small green are particularly frustrating and avoidable with proper distance control.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 16 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 7,816 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 16 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 428 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 428-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 16?
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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?
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The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.