Hole 17 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)

Par 3220 Yards • Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Enhanced Content
Brutal

The 17th at Merion Golf Club (East Course) stands as a deceptively challenging par 3 that has tested champions for nearly a century. At 220 yards, this lengthy one-shotter demands precision and power, with the tee shot playing to a small, well-guarded green that offers little margin for error. The absence of major hazards might suggest an easier challenge, but the green's compact dimensions and subtle undulations create their own form of intimidation. This hole exemplifies Merion's understated brilliance—where strategic design and precise execution matter more than overwhelming visual drama. Club selection becomes critical, as anything short or long leaves difficult recovery shots around this demanding green complex.

Tees:
220y208y197y
Green:25y × 41y
1 Bunker dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
3
Yardage
220 yds
Green
5821 sq ft
Bunkers
1
Course Slope
144
Course Rating
72.9

Recommended Gear

A hybrid or long iron makes this long par 3 far more manageable off the tee.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 220-yard par 3 demands precision over power - focus on club selection that gets you to the green rather than trying to muscle a shorter iron

hazard warning

Beware of bunkers positioned at 205.8 yards - they're strategically placed to catch shots that come up just short of the green

green

The generous green measures 24 yards by 41 yards, giving you a large target - aim for the center to avoid short-siding yourself

approach

With no landing zone from the tee, this is a true one-shot hole - your tee shot must carry all the way to the green or risk finding trouble

tee shot

The fairway disappears completely at 250 yards, confirming this hole requires an aerial approach directly to the putting surface

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your long iron or hybrid. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

On long par 3s, hitting the green is a win — don't be afraid to take one extra club and aim center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

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?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 3.

How big is the green on hole 17?

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?

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.

Can I practice hole 17 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 par 3 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

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