Merion Golf Club

My inaugural post appropriately comes from Philadelphia’s top rated golf course. Perennially ranked as one of the top 10 golf courses in the country, Merion boasts everything that a golfer would want from a venue. History, ambiance, hospitality, a great locker room and most importantly, a world-class

golf course.

From the moment you turn into Merion Golf Club off of Ardmore Avenue you know you are at a special place. As you drive in, the famous par-3 13th is immediately to your right and the 1st fairway is to your left. You follow the winding driveway back into the parking lot where you are met by the caddy master who gets you set up for your day. The first tee shot is one of my all-time favorite opening shots. The patio, and those enjoying breakfast or lunch on it, breathe down your neck creating a pressure-filled, nerve-racking opening tee ball. Once you’re off and running, your experience only gets better throughout your day. Walking the same grounds as some of the game’s greats like Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, just adds to the mystique of this special piece of property. Merion is widely referred to as the greatest golf course in the world per acre as it sits on a much smaller plot of land than most other championship venues. The golf course itself is extremely challenging, but offers a great mix of holes that increase in difficulty leading up to the world-renowned 18th. As you can see in the picture below, there is a plaque in the middle of the 18th fairway designating the exact spot that Ben Hogan hit a famous one-iron in the 1950 US Open to secure his victory.

After the round, I was fortunate to be able to enjoy the amenities that Merion’s clubhouse have to offer. The service and hospitality was first-class throughout my experience. Perhaps the best part of the experience was the showers in the locker room. Many may find it weird that I am here talking in such detail about the showers, but to many a good shower is a key component to a complete golf club experience. The Merion showers did not disappoint. The waterfall shower heads unleash great water pressure from straight above you creating a very enjoyable experience.

Overall Merion receives my highest grade as a facility of 5/5. While many do not get the opportunity to pay Merion a visit as it is very exclusive, if presented with an invite you must accept. It is an experience that will last a lifetime.