Hole 3 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)
- Par
- 3
- Yardage
- 181 yds
- Hazards
- 1 bunker
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 49 yds deep × 33 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 · 181 yards
The plan for No. 3
The 3rd at Merion Golf Club (East Course) is a 181.0-yard par 3 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
Club selection is paramount on this hole, with most players requiring anything from a 6-iron to a 4-iron depending on conditions and pin position. The key is committing fully to your club choice - tentative swings often result in coming up short of this elevated green. Aim for the center of the green when the pin is tucked, as the small target makes going directly at difficult pins a high-risk proposition. Wind conditions play a crucial role here, so factor in any breeze before making your final club decision.
Approach & recovery
Since this is a par 3, your tee shot IS your approach shot. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing rather than trying to muscle the ball to the green. The small green size means precision trumps power - a well-struck 7-iron that finds the green is infinitely better than a hard-hit 8-iron that comes up short. Take one extra club if you're between selections, as short misses around Merion's greens are notoriously difficult.
On the green
Merion's greens are known for their subtle breaks and firm conditions. Even on this small green, reading the slopes correctly is essential for good scoring. The putting surface likely features gentle undulations that can be deceiving, so take time to read your putt from multiple angles. Lag putting becomes crucial here - with limited green space, running putts well past the hole can leave challenging comeback attempts.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 3 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 8,503 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 3 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 181 yards.
What club should I use on this par 3?
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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?
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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 3?
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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.