[Sean_A]

On another thread Ian suggests that Merion having three par 3s in the same direction is not ideal.  It would be interesting to know how the wind effects these holes as they are carry holes.  In fact, so is the 3rd.  Was this elimination of the ground game on par 3s an unusual architectural feature back in the day?  Calling Wayne Morrison!

IMO, its a miracle of clever design that these three holes don't seem as though they head in the same direction.  This is so probably for two reasons.  First, all three are oh so very different from each other.  Second, each one rests on distinct sections of the property which the road and the quarry help to delineate.  I bet folks need to look at a course map to realize that they do head in the same direction. To top it off, the 3rd is unusual as well in that it is a little island somehow disconnected with its surrounding holes which whiz all around it like planets around a sun, but it still fits wonderfully into the routing. 

What a great course.

Ciao

[wsmorrison]

Sean,

Only the 13th and 17th are oriented in a similar Northern direction, actually NNW and NNE.  The 3rd is oriented SW (SSW) and the 9th is oriented more to the E (ENE).  As you say, they are all quite different playing to completely different yardages.  The 3rd is slightly uphill, the 9th decidedly downhill, the 13th level and the 17th is more long than anything else, it doesn't really play downhill at all.

It is such a narrow piece of property with some terrific topographic features.  The routing is more determined than most courses due to the shape and limited land but still makes use of excellent green sites for the par 3s (and the other holes as well).  As for the wind, if you play there long enough and often enough, it is rarely reliable in any direction.  While there may be prevailing winds in the general area, for some reason the winds at Merion shift quite often and can surprise the golfer that doesn't take careful note.

While Ian is right, you don't want many par 3s on a course going in the same direction, only 2 do at Merion and one is 250 yards and the other is nearly half that distance at 130 yards, so the trajectories are quite different.   In any case, the orientations are acceptable irrespective of any duplication, because as Sean stated and Ian has mentioned on many occasions, Merion is a great course despite some aspects that would be hurtful elsewhere such as the compact size and odd L-shaped dimensions of the course.

[Phil McDade]

Wayne:

Does the very different nature and length of 13 and 17 make them play differently, even though they are oriented in the same direction? The obvious answer is probably yes, but I'm wondering about the dynamics of things like wind and nearby trees that could have an impact on how those two shots are played, beyond the significant club differences.

In 17 really flat? It looked downhill from the televised portions of the US Am that I saw. Does it accept a running shot? 13 seems to be a real target kind of shot, vs. 17, which requires strength and length but also has a larger green to accommodate the demands of a longer shot.

[wsmorrison]

Phil,

It is a 16' drop from the 17th tee to the center of the green.  It doesn't seem to play downhill, perhaps due to its length.  There is a 20 yard or so apron fronting the green (never pinned) and than a sharp upslope to the pinnable areas of the green.

13 is a short distance control test requiring precision due to the small green size and the back slope off the deep fronting bunker.  There are very complicated interactions of slope on the green, which makes putting reads and execution difficult.  It is a superb short par 3 and one of the very few left on championship caliber courses with Pebble Beach #7 the other obvious one.

[JESII]

Phil,

I'll jump in. #17 is downhill, but only slightly and at the green end it is actually up just a bit so you won't be tumbling it on from miles short. There is a fairway height approach for maybe 25 or 30 yards that helps, but the rise from there to the actual green surface is an abrutp 6 foot face that leaves a difficult up and down if you're thinking about a par. I have never thought about running it up onto the green, but some players would be able to.


As to the orientation of 13 and 17 making some playing characteristics similar, I think the holes themselves are so vastly different that the orientation is virtually meaningless. If anything, the large stand of trees immediately behind the 13th tee will block your ability to feel any helping wind, while that same wind will be very clear while up on the ridge on the 17th tee. In fact, a light wind from just about any direction may be obscured when standing on the 13th tee...you're almost down in a little bowl.

[TEPaul]

One of the interesting aspects of both Merion East and Pine Valley is, for their age both courses have about 7-8 holes that have no open approach and pretty much demand an aerial carry.

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

I am in agreement here with JES..the fact that 13 and 17 are in the same direction is of no consequence...after all one if a wedge the other whatever you hit about 225...so the wind direction does not really matter.
The collection of 3 pars is quite wonderful..all three hole stotally different in nature, all three can be brutally tough, obvioulsy with special concern to numbers 3 and 17...two of the hardest 3 pars I have ever played.
Only number 3 really has any type on ground game consequence, and that would be if you decide to lay up!

I am sitting here thinking about thses hole sand just marveling at the memory of just how damn good they are...the sphincter tightens up just imagining the shots...each hole has double bogey potential if your club selection is not correct...or...if your putting touch is a little off that day.

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