Hole 8 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 360 yds
- Hazards
- 1 bunker
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 22 yds deep × 29 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Pro tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Pro tees · Par 4 · 360 yards
The plan for No. 8
The 8th at Merion Golf Club (East Course) is a 360.0-yard par 4 that plays straightaway.
Off the tee
The key to success on the 8th begins with a controlled tee shot that prioritizes accuracy over distance. Given the hole's modest length, most players can afford to throttle back and focus on finding the optimal position for their approach. A smooth driver or strong 3-wood should provide plenty of distance while maintaining control. Target the center of the fairway, as the straight layout doesn't present significant doglegs or forced carries. The absence of major hazards allows for a more aggressive line, but remember that positioning for the approach shot is paramount. A drive that travels around 250-280 yards will leave a comfortable short iron into the green.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot is where the 8th hole reveals its true character. With a small green as your target, precision becomes critical. The short iron or wedge in your hands should be viewed as a scoring club, but respect the target size. Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the small putting surface leaves little margin for error. Avoid the temptation to fire directly at tucked pins, especially early in the round. A shot that finds the green 20 feet from the hole is far superior to one that misses the target entirely. Consider the wind conditions carefully, as even a slight breeze can significantly affect a wedge shot. Take one extra club if there's any doubt, as coming up short often leads to more difficult recovery shots than being slightly long.
On the green
The small green demands respect with the putter. While specific break patterns aren't detailed, focus on speed control above all else. Longer putts on a small green can easily race past the hole, leaving challenging comeback attempts. Study the green's subtle contours during your approach, as even minor slopes become magnified on a compact putting surface. Lag putting becomes essential for longer attempts, prioritizing getting your first putt close rather than making everything.
Watch for
- Fairway bunker crossing the landing zone
Hole 8 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,416 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 8 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Pro tees · 360 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 360-yard par 4, most players will hit 3-wood or driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 8?
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This hole is a good scoring opportunity for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.
How big is the green on hole 8?
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The green is small and requires precision. The green is deeper than wide, so club selection is crucial. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.
What's a good score on hole 8?
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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.