Hole 9 at Merion Golf Club (East Course)

Par 3193 Yards • Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Enhanced Content
Tough

The ninth hole at Merion Golf Club (East Course) serves as a demanding finale to the front nine, presenting golfers with a deceptively challenging par 3 across 193 yards. This straight shot to a small, well-protected green epitomizes Merion's strategic design philosophy, where precision trumps power. The compact green complex demands accurate club selection and committed execution, as there's little margin for error on the putting surface. Without significant hazards to distract the eye, golfers must focus entirely on distance control and pin placement. This hole's understated elegance reflects Merion's reputation for rewarding thoughtful course management, making it a memorable test that perfectly captures the East Course's championship pedigree and timeless design principles.

Tees:
193y160y151y
Green:31y × 45y
1 BunkerWater dogleg

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Hole Stats

Par
3
Yardage
193 yds
Green
5877 sq ft
Bunkers
1
Water
Yes
Course Slope
144
Course Rating
72.9

Recommended Gear

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

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 193-yard par 3 demands precision with your tee shot - there's no fairway to bail out to, making club selection and accuracy critical for finding the putting surface.

hazard warning

Bunkers positioned at 197.9 yards create a significant threat just past pin-high, so avoid going long and focus on landing short to middle of the green.

green

The generous 5,877 square foot green (31y x 45y) provides a large target, so prioritize finding the putting surface over attacking tight pin positions.

approach

With no landing zone available from the tee, you must carry your ball all the way to the green - choose a club that ensures you clear any fronting hazards while avoiding the back bunkers.

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 193 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 9?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?

Key hazards include: water at 176.2 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 9?

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 9?

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 9 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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