Merion Golf Club (West)

Of all the American courses ranked on our World Top 100, Merion’s East course is the highest-ranked route that features a sibling course. That sibling, the West course, is located several blocks away from the U.S. Open host, and is admittedly not quite as celebrated as its historic relative.

That said, it would be a crime to not give the West side of the property the time of day. After all, it’s also designed by Hugh Wilson, best known for his work on Merion’s championship side, and his approach at the East course can be seen on the West as well. One example is No. 7 at the West, where players will need to hit over a creek to reach the putting surface, much like the more famous No. 11 on the East side.

Although the championship course was considered relatively short by U.S. Open standards, the West course will be even more manageable for scratch golfers, peaking at less than 6,000 yards in distance. Still, like the more famous of the pair, those looking to take the big stick to within 30 yards for a guaranteed birdie will be disappointed. Both sides of the Merion property are tricky within the final stretch of the putting surface.

Reports suggest that Bill Kittleman, former Merion professional and now design partner with Hanse Golf Course Design, thinks that there is more architecture at the West than on the East. Most (perhaps not all) may concede that the West is a good short course and well worth playing if lucky enough to receive an invite.