Hole 17 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 220 yds
- Hazards
- 1 bunker
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 41 yds deep × 25 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 3 · 220 yards
The plan for No. 17
The 17th at Merion Golf Club (East Course) is a 220.0-yard par 3 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
With no fairway to navigate, your entire focus should be on green-finding accuracy. The length demands a confident swing with a long iron, hybrid, or fairway wood depending on conditions and your personal distances. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position - the small target makes pin-hunting extremely risky. Take one extra club if there's any doubt, as coming up short leaves a difficult recovery. Pay special attention to wind direction, as it can easily turn a well-struck shot into a miss.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach. The small green demands precise distance control more than directional accuracy. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to muscle the ball to the target. The green's size means any shot that catches the putting surface gives you a reasonable birdie opportunity, while missing the green makes par a challenge.
On the green
Merion's greens are known for their subtlety and speed. Even on this small surface, reading the grain and slope correctly is crucial. Most putts will have some break, and the firm conditions mean speed control is as important as line. Lag putting to the fat part of the hole is often the wisest strategy, especially if you've found the green from the tee.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 17 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 5,821 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 17 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 220 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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At 220 yards, most golfers will need a fairway wood or hybrid to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.
How difficult is hole 17?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3.
How big is the green on hole 17?
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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 17?
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This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.