Merchantville Country Club

Detailed description of Merchantville Country Club

Merchantville Country Club, is a Private, 9 hole golf course located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The club is convenient to South Jersey as well as being only 10 minutes from down town Philadelphia.

Merchantville Country Club history traces to 1892 when it first opened as the Merchantville Field Club. Golf started at Merchantville until 1897. The layout was rudimentary - tin cans sunk in holes at the extreme ends of the playing field. When additional land was acquired at the beginning of the 20th century, a full nine hole course was built. On June 3, 1898 the Merchantville Field Club was incorporated. On March 4, 1916 they formally changed the name to Merchantville Country Club.

The club gained notariety in 1910, when Philadelphia-born-and-bred Johnny McDermott, Merchantville's golf professional, tied for first place in the U.S. Open. He lost in the playoff to Alex Smith of Scotland. He then won the U.S. Open in 1911 and 1912 becoming the first American born pro to win the US Open. He became one of only five in tournament history to score back to back victories.

Referred to as a nine-hole layout, Merchantville actually has 11 greens, and the second 9 on a double loop 18 hole round provides different challenges and sitelines than the first loop.#3 and #12 are completely different holes. And though #4 and 13, both short par 4s, share a common fairway, the approach shots are played to separate greens. Laid out approximately 55 acres, the course measures just over 6,000 yards from the regular tees, 6,231 yards from the blue tees; par is 72. Chiefly because of the drainage ditches on every hole, the slope is a stiff 138.

Merchantville is a dry township. In the mid-50s a decision was made to build a new clubhouse and locate it on the other side of the course, in Cherry Hill where a liquor license could be, and was, obtained. Yes...adult beverages are now available!

This little nine-hole gem is rated the 12th most difficult course in the Philadelphia area.