Hole 1 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 362 yds
- Hazards
- 1 bunker
Hole 1 map
37 yd wide × 33 yd deep · 4.7 ft total elevation range
Light = gentler slope · Red = steeper slope
White lines: 1 foot of elevation. Arrows: downhill. General terrain, not a pin read.
Approach from bottom
Contour source
USGS one meter x47y443 DE DelawareValleyHD 5A 2015 · collection 2015
Map source & reference
Mapbox Satellite composite · capture date not provided. Green at the top; the labeled map reference is below.
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 4 · 362 yards
The plan for No. 1
The 1st at Merion Golf Club (East Course) is a 362.0-yard par 4 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should prioritize finding the fairway over maximum distance. A controlled drive with a 3-wood or hybrid can be the smart play, especially for higher handicappers, as it reduces the risk of finding trouble while still leaving a manageable approach. The target line should favor the center of the fairway, allowing for natural shot dispersion. Longer hitters might consider driver but must resist the urge to overpower the hole – course management trumps distance here.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where scoring opportunities are made or lost on this hole. With a small green, precision becomes paramount in your club selection. A controlled mid-iron to long-iron, depending on conditions and your tee shot position, should allow you to attack the pin with confidence. Focus on hitting the center of the green rather than chasing difficult pin positions, as the small putting surface leaves little margin for error. The key is committing fully to your club selection and making a smooth, controlled swing.
On the green
Merion's greens are known for their subtle breaks and firm conditions, and the first hole is no exception. Even on this small green, reading the terrain carefully is crucial for successful putting. Focus on lag putting to the correct quadrant of the green, as three-putts can quickly turn a scoring opportunity into a bogey. Pay attention to grain direction and green speed during your practice putts, as these conditions will influence every hole throughout your round.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 1 Green Complex & Slope
USGS 3DEP terrain analysis
Green size: 5,274 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 1 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 362 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 362-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 1?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers.
How big is the green on hole 1?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 1?
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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.