Hole 3 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)

Par 3 • 181 Yards • Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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Tough

Merion Golf Club's third hole stands as a deceptive test that embodies the East Course's reputation for precision over power. This 181-yard par 3 demands unwavering accuracy to a small, well-protected green that punishes even slight miscalculations. The hole's straight trajectory offers no room for error, requiring golfers to commit fully to their club selection and execution. What appears straightforward from the tee quickly reveals its true character as players discover how Merion's subtle design elements can turn a routine par 3 into a demanding examination of short iron play. The green's compact dimensions reward only the most precise tee shots, making this hole a perfect example of Merion's philosophy that strategic thinking trumps raw distance.

Tees:

181y168y154y

Green:42y × 42y

1 Bunker dogleg

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Merion Golf Club (East Course)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 181 yds
Green: 8503 sq ft
Bunkers: 1
Course Slope: 144
Course Rating: 72.9

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Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 181-yard par 3 demands precise club selection and commitment to your target line, as there's no fairway safety net to bail out to.

hazard warning

Bunkers positioned at 143 yards create a significant short-side hazard - avoid coming up short as recovery shots from sand to this distance will be extremely challenging.

green

The generous 8,503 square foot green (42x42 yards) offers multiple pin positions - aim for the center of the green to give yourself the best chance at birdie regardless of pin placement.

approach

With no landing zone available from the tee, you must carry your shot all the way to the green - club up if conditions are into the wind or pin is back.

green

The square-shaped green dimensions (42 yards each direction) mean pin positions in the corners will play significantly longer or shorter - adjust your target accordingly based on daily pin sheet.

train this shot at home

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

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 181 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 3?

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 3?

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 3?

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 3 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 →