I was fortunate enough to play Merion in mid-April. The greens were absolutely outstanding - tournament ready. Firm and hard and reasonably fast. One of the highlights of my trip. I enjoyed reading the interns report about maintenance at merion, and the emphasis on hand-watering, and on hand drainage (squee-geeing the water off the greens after a downpour).
Just to repeat a point here - the greens at Merion were so far ahead of the other Philly and California greens at an early stage of the season (apart from MPCC Dunes, which were similar). Full marks to the course staff.
Now, if only the rough hadn't been as severe when I played, I might have enjoyed my game a bit more. My memories of Merion were unaffected by my poor play though.
Wayne - I must load that disk and check the photos. Thanks for the lend of a camera. Mine has started to work again, since I returned home!
James B