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FOR E

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR THE MEMBERS OF MERION GOLF CLUB AUGUST 2026 CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON: MERION'S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND RECAPS; 126TH U.S. AMATEUR PREVIEW

A NOTE FROM PAULA KELLY A tremendous amount of championship excitement has surrounded Merion over the last several weeks. We are just days away from the 126th U.S. Amateur Championship—the 20th United States Golf Association championship to be hosted by our Club. This is a milestone moment in Merion history. The Club is quickly transforming to welcome the 312 players and their families, the USGA and special guests, and thousands of golf fans for a week of spirited competition on our East Course and memorable hospitality experiences all around the Club. For the last several years, General Chair Bill Lynch, the U.S. Amateur Committee, and the Merion team have worked tirelessly to set the Club up to successfully host this historic national championship. Their efforts to coordinate plans for the East

Course set-up, West Course practice area, financial support, volunteers, transportation, hospitality, safety and access control, and so much more have been nothing short of tremendous. These championships require a lot of work, and our committee and team have gone above and beyond to ensure that this U.S. Amateur is exceptional. Throughout the next several pages of FORE, there is plenty of helpful "know before you go" information that outlines the U.S. Amateur experience for members. This section covers the schedule of play, tickets, parking/ transportation, member hospitality, and other details that will help you enjoy the championship experience. Additionally, page 3 highlights several local area amateurs who have qualified to compete. Leading that list is Merion's own Drue Nicholas, who qualified in July at Llanerch Country Club. Please join me in cheering on Drue as he has the special opportunity to compete for a national championship on his home golf course!

Not to be outdone by the U.S. Amateur, Merion's members showcased some great championship action of their own in July. The U.S. Amateur schedule required us to shift some events around on our normal Club schedule, giving us an opportunity for a special Club Championship Weekend. As you'll read in the second half of the issue, we crowned Club Champions for Men, Women, Seniors, and Juniors all in one action-filled weekend. It was a great testament to the sportsmanship and camaraderie that our members share on the golf courses. Please be sure to congratulate our winners when you see them around the Club. Finally, I want to thank the membership for their unwavering support of all of Merion's initiatives. Whether it is participating in member programming, spending time at Merion with family and friends, or supporting our championship commitments, this community always comes together beautifully for this special Club. Thank you, and enjoy the U.S. Amateur!

126TH U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP: SCHEDULE CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 Practice Rounds: Tee Times 7:00-8:59 a.m.; 12:30-2:29 p.m. * Note: No tickets required; Member Tent open for bar service only MONDAY, AUGUST 10 & TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 Stroke Play Qualifying Rounds: Tee Times 7:00 a.m.-2:57 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 Match Play, Round of 64: Tee Times 9:00 a.m.-2:10 p.m. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 Match Play, Round of 32 & 16: Tee Times 7:15-9:45 a.m.; 1:15-2:25 p.m. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Match Play, Quarterfinals: Tee Times 1:30-2:15 p.m. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Match Play, Semifinals: Tee Times 2:00 and 2:20 p.m. SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 36-Hole Championship Match starts at 9:00 a.m. 2

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CLICK TO VIEW THE FULL GUIDE FOR EVEN MORE DETAILED CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION

126TH U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP: MERION MEMBER DRUE NICHOLAS LEADS LIST OF LOCAL QUALIFIERS The U.S. Amateur Championship features 312 of the best male amateur golfers in the world. A grueling qualifying process began with 5,111 players trying to make it through local and final qualifying to get into the field. The field that will take on Merion and Philadelphia Country Club in stroke play qualifying come from all over the world, and the talent representing the greater Philadelphia area in the championship is abundant— including one of Merion's own. Merion Member Drue Nicholas (584thranked amateur in the world) grew up in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. He carded a two-under-par 69 in final qualifying at Llanerch Country Club to get into the U.S. Amateur field. One of the most accomplished amateurs in the Philadelphia area, Nicholas has won four GAP major titles. He is a two-time winner of the Philadelphia Open, and just the fourth amateur to win the event in consecutive years (2025 and 2026). He also won the BMW Philadelphia Amateur Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in 2025, and he claimed the Patterson Cup in 2022. Nicholas is the reigning William Hyndman, III Player of the Year, awarded to the best amateur player in the GAP region, and is currently leading the race to win the award again. Nicholas was a four-time All-CAA selection at Drexel and won four individual events in his collegiate career. He makes his second straight U.S. Amateur appearance after advancing to the Round of 64 at Olympic Club in 2025. Nicholas will tee off at 7:00 a.m. at Merion on Monday, August 10, to kick off stroke play qualifying.

Other Local Qualifiers Hunter Stetson (ranked 2,035th)–the Aronimink member earned his spot in the field after winning the Delaware Amateur Championship at Rehoboth Beach Country Club. The Newtown Square native also won the 2025

Merion member Drue Nicholas, pictured above in the Men's Club Championship, will continue a stellar 2026 competitive season as he plays in the U.S. Amateur Championship Patterson Cup. He has shown the ability to go deep in USGA championships, as he reached the Round of 16 in the 2023 U.S. Junior. An incoming junior at North Carolina State, Stetson will make his first U.S. Amateur appearance. Charlie Barrickman–The youngest Philadelphiaarea player in the field, Barrickman will make his first U.S. Amateur appearance after advancing through final qualifying at Ohio State University Golf Course. His round of 70 (-1) got him into a 7-for-5 playoff, and Barrickman survived the playoff to get into the field. In 2025, the West Chester native won the PIAA State Championship. Barrickman, a Radley Run Country Club member, is verbally committed to play collegiate golf at Bucknell University. Patrick Isztwan–the Huntingdon Valley Country Club member’s performance in final qualifying at Llanerch got him into the U.S. Amateur field. He shot a two-under-par 69 to make his first U.S. Amateur appearance. The University of Richmond grad has finished runner-up twice in the BMW Philadelphia Amateur (2025 and 2023). At the 2024 Philadelphia Amateur,

Isztwan set a tournament record during qualifying by shooting a 9-under-par 134 across North Hills and Whitemarsh Valley Country Clubs. Nicholas Gross (ranked 353rd)–A member of Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, Gross is the highest-ranked local amateur to qualify. He was co-medalist in final qualifying at Llanerch with a five-under-par 66 to comfortably get into the field. Gross has competed in three U.S. Amateurs (2022, 2023, 2025) and four U.S. Juniors (2022-2025). He made a memorable run in the 2022 U.S. Amateur as a 15-year-old, making it all the way to the quarterfinals. Gross, a native of Downingtown, will enter his junior year at the University of Alabama this fall. Josh Ryan (ranked 418th)–Norristown's Josh Ryan qualified for the U.S. Amateur after carding a two-under-par 69 during final qualifying at Llanerch. This is Ryan’s second appearance in the U.S. Amateur, as he previously qualified in 2024. Ryan won three straight GAP Junior Boys Championships from 20202022. Ryan, grew up playing at public Jeffersonville Golf Club in his hometown.

AUGUST 2026 - FORE

126TH U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP: TICKETS AND TRANSPORTATION/PARKING

TICKETS Tickets for the U.S. Amateur are available for purchase through the USGA and SeatGeek. All tickets for the championship are digital. Merion members should purchase tickets using the member ticket link, which equips your ticket with access to the member hospitality tent.

PURCHASE MEMBER TICKETS

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One-day passes are $33 (inclusive of ticketing fees).

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Purchase a weekly pass for $231 (inclusive of ticketing fees).

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Juniors ages 17 and under receive complimentary admission for any day of the week by visiting the admission gate with a ticketed adult. There is a maximum of 4 juniors per adult.

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Volunteers do not need to puchase tickets! If you are registered to volunteer, your Merion Member Volunteer Credential badge will grant access to the grounds and to the member hospitality tent, even on days when you are not scheduled to work a shift. APP STORE FOR IPHONES

ACCESSING YOUR TICKETS To view or transfer your tickets, please log in to your SeatGeek account. Be sure to download the SeatGeek mobile app in advance of attending the championship.

GOOGLE PLAY FOR ANDROIDS

If you have any issues with accessing your account or the app, please contact SeatGeek support directly.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING TRAIN: Merion and the USGA strongly encourage members to utilize the SEPTA High Speed M Line to the Ardmore Avenue Station, which is a short walk from the admission gate, located near the 13th tee. SEPTA will have ambassadors at Villanova Stadium and Ardmore Ave stations to assist with spectator transportation during the championship. PARKING: Limited spectator parking will be available at Villanova University, with shuttle service to and from Merion Golf Club during the championship. You can also park at Villanova and utilize the SEPTA M Line to get to Merion. RIDESHARE: Members utilizing Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services should go to Haverford College, where shuttle service will be provided to and from Merion. *Please note that select road closures immediately surrounding the Club are in effect for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians during the championship.

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SPECTATOR PARKING

RIDESHARE SHUTTLE LOT

ARDMORE AVE STATION

126TH U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP: MEMBER HOSPITALITY & OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MEMBER HOSPITALITY An air-conditioned member hospitality tent will be located along the first fairway. Merion and Philadelphia Country Club members are invited to enjoy the tent, which will be open daily throughout the championship.

MEMBER HOSPITALITY SCHEDULE

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Access to the member tent will be available on a first-come, first-served basis as capacity permits per the Haverford Township Fire Marshal. Your member ticket will scan your admission to the tent, and there will be members of the Merion team located at check-in to assist with any questions.

Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9 (Practice Rounds) Tent/Bar Service: 9:00 a.m.– a.m. –7:00 p.m.

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Merion members are welcome to bring two guests per membership (i.e., two guests per family, not two guests per person) into the hospitality tent at any given time. All guests must purchase their own general admission ticket for access to the grounds, and must be accompanied by a member in the hospitality space at all times.

Monday, August 10-Thursday, August 13 Tent/Bar Service: 8:00 a.m.– a.m. –End of Play Food Service: 10:00 a.m.– a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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Food and beverage will be available for purchase by credit card—no member account charges will be permitted during the championship.

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Restrooms will be available at the member tent.

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Beginning Friday, August 14, members will be permitted to access the Pavilion and patio area for hospitality through the conclusion of the championship. Members will be permitted two guests per membership in this area as well. The member tent will remain open through the final weekend.

Friday, August 14-Saturday, August 15 Tent/Bar Service: 1:00 p.m.– p.m. –End of Play Food Service: 1:00– 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Pavilion Access also available Sunday, August 16 Tent/Bar Service: 8:00 a.m.– a.m. –End of Play Food Service: 10:00 a.m.– a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Pavilion Access also available

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. Can Merion members access the Clubhouse during the U.S. Amateur? A: No. The Clubhouse is reserved for players, player families, USGA, and corporate supporters. On the final weekend (Friday, August 14–Sunday, August 16), the Pavilion, Flagstone, and Wicker Bar area will reopen to Merion members, with up to two guests per member household permitted. Q. Where is the member hospitality tent? Can I bring guests? A: An air-conditioned member hospitality tent will be located along the first fairway. Access to the tent will be first-come, firstserved as capacity allows per the Haverford Township Fire Marshal. Each member family may bring 2 guests at a time in the tent (2 guests per family, not 2 guests per person). Q. Is there a dress code in the member tent? A: As with any member space, golf attire or better is expected for Merion members and guests. During the U.S. Amateur, denim will not be permitted in the member tent. Men are expected to remove their hats in the tent (under cover). Q. Is the West Course open during the championship? A: The West Course is being utilized for the player practice facility and will not be open to members. The course will close on August 5 through the championship, and then reopen for member and guest play on Tuesday, August 18.

AUGUST 2026 - FORE

GOLF HIGHLIGHTS Jack Davis, Director of Golf I

As you're reading this, the 126th U.S. Amateur is about to be begin. This marks the 20th USGA championship held at Merion and another memorable chapter in the Club's incomparable history.

Across the Club, members and staff alike have played leading roles in preparing for this exciting week. For those who haven't had the chance to see "behind the curtain," hosting a championship of this stature requires extraordinary planning, communication, and teamwork. In many ways, the U.S. Amateur is the most demanding championship Merion hosts. Though the infrastructure isn't nearly as extensive as a U.S. Open or U.S. Women's Open, the time of year, size of the field, and week-long format create unique operational challenges. Combined with the high expectations that accompany every championship at Merion, the preparation has required

hundreds of hours from staff, members, outside volunteers, and local partners. For our department specifically, our team will lead or support the following areas: the Golf Shop, Practice Facilities, scoring and marshals, golf cart and course vehicle operations, evacuation and assisted access, volunteer services (recruitment and uniforms), and player hospitality, including welcome gifts. It's been incredibly rewarding to contribute in so many different ways, and I know our team has enjoyed playing an important role in the planning and execution of this championship. Just as inspiring has been the incredible response from our membership. So many members have stepped forward to volunteer their time and talents, representing Merion with the warmth, professionalism, and hospitality that have become hallmarks of our Club. Thank you to each of you for helping make this championship possible. Speaking of championships, July was our opportunity to crown our 2026 Club

Champions. Congratulations to Jack Hamilton, Jackie Rogowicz, Joe Roeder, Liz Haines, Ethan Clouser, and Eliza Cahill. Each of our champions demonstrated tremendous skill, grit, and dedication to earn their respective titles. I had the opportunity to watch some outstanding golf over the past several weeks. The level of golf at Merion is high, but what is just as remarkable is the sportsmanship, passion, and camaraderie displayed throughout every championship. I hope to see many of you at Merion during the U.S. Amateur. Whether you've been working on this championship for several years or are simply joining us for the week, I hope you'll take pride in being part of another unforgettable USGA championship at Merion. The U.S. Amateur has long been a proving ground for many of the game's greatest champions, and we're honored to welcome the world's best amateur golfers as they write the next chapter in its remarkable history.

JULY GOLF RESULTS Check the Golf Results portal, linked on the Merion website, for winners of all Club tournaments. WOMEN'S Women's Club Championship Jackie Rogowicz Women's Senior Club Championship Liz Haines 9-Holers Play Days July 2—Fewest Putts Kathy Sheward

July 16—Par 16—Par 4s (East) Loraine Jones July 21—1 Best Ball of 2 (West) Marie Kneizys & Susan Oberwager July 23—Best 9 (East) Aimee Weise MEN'S

SATURDAY EVENTS July 4—1 Best Ball of 4 Charles Vetterlein, Andrew Vetterlein, Bob Zullinger, Grant Gardiner July 18—1 Best Ball of 4 Tobin Whamond, James Smartt, Steve Gord, Joe Somers MIXED

July 16—Member-Guest Play Day Alisha Slye, Kristen Chang, Maureen Block, Kate Peyton

Men's Club Championship Champion: Jack Hamilton First Flight Champion: Carter Griffin

July 5—Flag Event Bill Knott & Carol Knott

18-Holers Weekly Tournaments July 7—Shotgun #2 (West) Ginny Williams, Janet Spillane, Anne Rhoads, Susan Burch

Men's Senior Club Championship Joe Roeder

Twilight Mixed Foursomes Bill Knott, Carol Knott, Fenton FitzPatrick, Maria FitzPatrick

July 14—Odd Out, Even In (West) Kathy Early

Junior Club Championship 18-Hole Boys Champion: Ethan Clouser 18-Hole Girls Champion: Eliza Cahill

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JUNIORS

2026 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: JACK HAMILTON WINS SECOND MEN'S TITLE Mike Boucher The 2026 Men’s Club Championship featured an exciting weekend of competition between a field of battletested players. In the 18-hole Qualifier, Drue Nicholas secured medalist honors and the No. 2 seed in the bracket following a 68 (-2) that included three birdies on the front nine (holes 2, 4, and 6). Michael Davis and Nelson Hargrove finished two shots back at 70 (E) to grab the third and fourth seeds, respectively. The cut line for the Championship Flight fell at 76 (+6). Any players who did not qualify for the 16-man Championship Flight were slated into the First Flight. The first round of match play followed qualifying, cutting the field down to eight players: Jack Hamilton, Sean Curran, Jr., Nelson Hargrove, Brian Williams, Drue Nicholas, Michael Block, Nathan Guertler, and Paul Liebezeit. In the quarterfinals, Jack Hamilton, Nelson Hargrove, Drue Nicholas, and Nathan Guertler collected impressive victories to advance. Hamilton and Hargrove met in the first semifinal. Following a solid match, Hamilton pulled away to a 3-and-2 victory to advance to the Final. In the second semifinal, Nicholas was dominant in a 9-and7 victory over Guertler. Additionally, the First Flight final wrapped up the same day. Congratulations to Carter Griffin for winning the First Flight Club Championship!

The next day featured the 36-Hole Championship Flight Final between Jack Hamilton and Drue Nicholas. In the morning session, Hamilton started with a 1-up lead through six holes. He then drove the green on the par-4 seventh hole and made his putt for eagle to take a 2-up lead, an advantage he held at the turn. Hamilton's largest lead in the morning session was 4, but Nicholas got one back at the par-4 16th hole and was down 3 heading into the break.

2026 Men's Club Champion Jack Hamilton hole, Nicholas made par after lagging his birdie putt to tap-in range, which trimmed Hamilton's advantage to 1-up with three holes to play.

Jack Hamilton and Drue Nicholas in the Men's Club Championship final In the afternoon session, Hamilton took the lead to 5-up by the fifth hole, but Nicholas cut the deficit back to 3 by the turn. Hamilton made birdie at the 10th hole to extend his lead to 4-up with eight holes to play. With his back against the wall, Nicholas made a move. He made three consecutive birdies on the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes to cut the deficit to 2. His run of red numbers included a long, right-to-left 40-foot putt on the par-4 12th hole, followed by a 9-foot birdie on the par-3 13th hole to match Hamilton. On the 15th

On the par-4 16th hole, Hamilton pulled his tee shot into the left fairway bunker. His recovery was extraordinary, as he hit his shot to inside 15 feet, and the ensuing putt found the bottom of the cup for birdie to increase his lead to 2-up. Hamilton and Nicholas both missed the green on the par-3 17th hole. Nicholas played his second shot from the right greenside bunker to just outside eight feet. Needing par to win, Hamilton left his delicate chip shot from the left rough inside 10 feet, then buried the par putt to secure the title. Congratulations to Jack and Drue for an excellent Club Championship match, and to all participants who put their skills to the test.

JOE ROEDER WINS SECOND MEN'S SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP The Men’s Senior Club Championship began with the qualifying round, where two-time champion Bob Harrington earned medalist honors with an impressive 71 (+1). Harrington’s round was one stroke better than Scott Redmond’s 72 (+2). Advancing through the quarterfinals were Steven Cassriel, Joe Roeder, John Castleman, and Michael Sulewski. Roeder and Sulewski each won their semifinal matches to earn a spot in the championship final.

third hole, Roeder won four consecutive holes, including another birdie on the par-4 seventh, to build a commanding 5-up advantage. A steady two-putt par on the par-3 ninth extended his lead to six, and victories on the 10th and 11th holes sealed the championship.

Men's Senior Club Champion Joe Roeder and runner-up Michael Sulewski Roeder wasted little time taking control of the title match with a birdie on the par-5 second hole. After the players halved the

Roeder fired a front-nine 35 (-1), highlighted by two birdies, en route to capturing his second Men’s Senior Club Championship since winning the title in 2021.

AUGUST 2026 - FORE

2026 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: JACKIE ROGOWICZ WINS SECOND STRAIGHT WOMEN'S TITLE Mike Boucher The 2026 Women’s Club Championship concluded in July on the East Course, capping off the season-long competition during Club Championship weekend. The event featured semifinal matches on Saturday before the 18-hole championship match took center stage on Sunday. Defending champion and top seed Jackie Rogowicz earned her place in her third consecutive Women's Club Championship final with a convincing 4-and-3 semifinal victory over Ashley West. On the opposite side of the bracket, Libbie Knott advanced by defeating four-time champion Loraine Jones 2-and-1, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s semifinal showdown. The championship match delivered a competitive back-and-forth battle from

the opening hole. Rogowicz rolled in a birdie at the first hole to claim an early advantage. Knott answered with a birdie of her own at the par-3 third to even the match, then responded again after dropping a shot at the par-5 fourth with another birdie at the par-5 fifth. With the match all-square through six holes, momentum hung in the balance. Rogowicz seized control before the turn. Three consecutive pars were enough to capture the seventh, eighth, and ninth holes, giving the defending champion a commanding 3-up lead heading to the back nine. Knott refused to back down, trimming the deficit by winning the par-4 10th before the players halved the 11th. The middle stretch featured solid golf from both finalists, highlighted by Knott’s impressive up-and-down from the greenside bunker

LIZ HAINES WINS WOMEN'S SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP The Women’s Senior Club Championship was contested as an 18-hole gross stroke play event on the West Course. Liz Haines posted a winning score of 84 (+14), finishing four strokes ahead of runner-up Jill Unruh, who carded an 88 (+18). Haines’s consistent play through the round earned her the 2026 Women’s Senior Club Championship title, and capped off a memorable championship weekend.

2026 Women's Club Champion Jackie Rogowicz and runner-up Libbie Knott on the 12th to keep her hopes alive. Still holding a 2-up advantage on the 15th tee, Rogowicz remained composed. Consecutive pars over the closing holes proved enough to close out the match, securing her second consecutive Women’s Club Championship.

MERION MEMBER GOLF ACHIEVEMENTS Congratulations to Merion member Jackie Rogowicz on qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Women’s MidAmateur Championship! Rogowicz carded a 1-under 72 at Brookside Country Club to get into the field. The 39th U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur will take place August 29–September 3 at Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, N.J. Rogowicz

has advanced into match play in four consecutive U.S. Mid-Amateur Championships, and her deepest run came in 2023 when she advanced to the semifinals at Stonewall.

9-HOLERS UPDATE Alisha Slye, Ann Ware, and Parker Spear

2026 Women's Senior Club Champion Liz Haines 8

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The 9-Holers celebrated the holiday season a little early with our "Christmas in July" MemberGuest event on July 16. The festive shamble brought plenty of teamwork, friendly competition, and laughter as members and their guests enjoyed a fun day on the course. From cheerful holiday spirit to great camaraderie, the day was a wonderful opportunity to share

the game—and Merion's newly renovated Trophy Room—with friends both old and new. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this midsummer celebration one to remember. Wishing everyone a fantastic time at the U.S. Amateur, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event!

2026 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: ETHAN CLOUSER & ELIZA CAHILL WIN JUNIOR TITLES Mike Boucher

The 2026 Junior Club Championship began in July with the 18-Hole Boys' and Girls' divisions, showcasing outstanding play and an exciting finish from the Club's top junior competitors. This year's 18-Hole Boys' Championship featured a new format, beginning with an 18-hole stroke play qualifier on the West Course before moving to semifinal and final matches on the East Course the following day. Ethan Clouser earned medalist honors in the qualifier with an even-par 70, highlighted by four birdies, including birdies on both par-5 holes (Nos. 3 and 16). Joining Clouser in advancing to match play were Chase Riley, Teddy Bittenbender, and Rocky Corrigan.

Ethan Clouser watches a shot in the Junior Club Championship 18-Hole Boys' Final Clouser and Riley each won their semifinal matches to set up a memorable championship final. Riley came out firing, opening with a birdie on the par-4 first hole before extending his advantage to 2-up with another birdie at the par-4 fifth. Clouser answered by winning consecutive holes on 6 and 7 before taking his first lead of the match with a par on the par-3 ninth. The back nine continued to deliver dramatic swings. Trailing by one, Riley birdied the par-4 15th to square the match with three holes remaining. Clouser reclaimed the lead on the 16th, but Riley responded once again with a steady two-putt par on the par-3 17th. The players matched pars on the 18th, sending the championship to extra holes.

In the 18-Hole Girls' Championship, Eliza Cahill captured the title in stroke play competition on the West Course. Cahill played steady golf throughout the round, highlighted by pars on the second and 17th holes. Her victory was especially impressive as it came in her first appearance in the 18-Hole Girls' division.

2026 Junior Club Championship runner-up Chase Riley and champion Ethan Clouser The playoff showcased great composure from both competitors. Riley appeared poised to claim the title after hitting his approach to within 20 feet on the first extra hole, but Clouser answered with an excellent two-putt from the front edge of the green to extend the match. On the second extra hole, Clouser once again displayed superb touch with another long-range two-putt for par, while Riley narrowly missed a 15-foot birdie attempt that would have ended the contest. The championship was decided on the third hole, where Clouser delivered the defining shot of the day, knocking a mid-iron to within 15 feet. Two putts later, he had secured the 2026 18-Hole Boys' Junior Club Championship.

2026 18-Hole Girls' Junior Club Champion Eliza Cahill Congratulations to Ethan and Eliza on their outstanding performances, and thank you to all of our junior competitors. The excitement continues on Saturday, August 29, when the 9-Hole, 6-Hole, and 3-Hole Junior Club Championship divisions take center stage at the West Course.

MAJOR JUNIOR INTERCLUB EVENT Merion's team competed in the annual Major Junior Interclub event, held this year at Winged Foot Golf Club and Baltusrol Golf Club on July 14 and 15. They competed against teams from the host clubs as well as Aronimink Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, and Fox Chapel Golf Club. Team Merion finished fourth in the event. Chase Riley finished third in individual competition with scores of 76 and 75. Pictured are Teddy Bittenbender, Dewey Burch, Rocky Corrigan, Chase Riley, Liam McFadden, and Ryan McDermott.

AUGUST 2026 - FORE

NEW FEATURE! CLUBHOUSE CLOSE-UP: THE ORIGINAL HAVEMEYER TROPHY The stunning original Havemeyer Trophy is a new addition to the renovated Trophy Room. The champion of the U.S. Men’s Amateur has been awarded a Havemeyer Trophy since the first USGA Amateur championship was held in 1895. But there are two distinctly different Havemeyer trophies. The original—an ornate silver beauty funded by the first president of the USGA, Theodore Havemeyer—was handed each year to the winner, who was allowed to keep the actual trophy until the next championship. Bobby Jones won his first USGA Men’s Amateur Championship at the Merion Cricket Club's East Course in 1924, and his second in 1925 at Oakmont. After his wins, he took the Havemeyer Trophy home to Atlanta, and it was displayed at his home course, East Lake Golf Club. In November 1925, the original Havemeyer trophy was lost when the East Lake clubhouse was destroyed by fire. The USGA decided to replace the trophy with a new design—gold, thinner, and less ornate. This second Havemeyer Trophy was first presented in 1926. It was this trophy that Bobby Jones received after completing the Grand Slam on the eleventh hole of Merion Cricket Club's East Course. Only two golfers, Bobby Jones (1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, and 1930) and Francis Ouimet (1914 and 1931), won both versions of the trophy. The USGA decided in 1995 to create a duplicate of the original silver Havemeyer Trophy for display at its museum. No design plans for the original existed, however, so the replica was produced from old photographs. The right to possess the Havemeyer Trophy is given to clubs that have hosted the USGA Men’s Amateur Championship. A club is allowed to possess a replica of whichever Havemeyer Trophy was in existence in the year that the competition was held at their 10

FORE - AUGUST 2026

Club. Merion already displayed a replica of the second Havemeyer Trophy, due to hosting the championship in 1930, 1966, 1989, and 2005. But because Merion was also host in 1916 and 1924, it has the right to display the original trophy as well. In the planning for the Clubhouse renovation, Merion ordered its replica of the original Havemeyer Trophy from Nicholas Winton in England, the exclusive source for R&A and USGA trophies and replicas. The trophy took nearly a year to complete and now resides in the trophy case to the right of the Trophy Room bar. Only eight clubs, including Merion, have the right to possess both Havemeyer trophies. Only three other Clubs currently have both: Baltusrol, Garden City, and Oakmont.

The Club's new replica of the original Havemeyer Trophy is in the renovated Trophy Room

MEMBERSHIP After preliminary screening, the Membership Committee publishes new candidates for membership in FORE, primarily for the scrutiny of our members. We welcome any information on these candidates, which will be treated confidentially. CANDIDATES FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICANT

PROPOSER

Edward & Sarah Adler

D. Peter Keller, Jr.

SECONDER Robert G. Hofmann, II

Gregory & Katherine Schroeder

Andrew W. Purcell

David C. Ferreira

IN MEMORIAM Alice Cullen Janice Keen

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Catherine Travaglini (Co-Chair) - (610) 291-0360

E. Michael Forgash - (610) 505-7585

Ginny S. Williams (Co-Chair) - (610) 909-1670 James F. Donnelly, IV (Co-Chair) - (610) 805-7113 Olin M. Belsinger - (610) 647-0474 Cole Berman - (267) 257-8104 Christopher C. Dodson - (917) 617-8945

Sarah L. Hall - (267) 346-4300 Alexis C. Hollander - (610) 331-1135 Richard C. Unger, Jr. - (610) 909-1066 Gerhard T. van Arkel - (610) 213-7175 Ashley E. West - (610) 608-1052

CLUB CALENDAR - AUGUST 2026 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

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SATURDAY

WEST COURSE: Open

GOLF SHOP: Open

GOLF SHOP CLOSES: Through August 6

CLUB DINING: Open

WEST COURSE CLOSES: Through 8/17

CLUB DINING CLOSES: Through 8/20

GOLF SHOP REOPENS: For U.S. Amateur

U.S. AMATEUR PRACTICE ROUND 1

CLOSED: EAST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY GOLF SHOP LOCKER ROOMS

CLUB DINING: Open CLOSED: EAST COURSE WEST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY GOLF SHOP LOCKER ROOMS

CLOSED: EAST COURSE WEST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY GOLF SHOP LOCKER ROOMS CLUB DINING

CLUB DINING: Open (Sunday Night Cookout) CLOSED: EAST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY LOCKER ROOMS

CLOSED: EAST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY GOLF SHOP LOCKER ROOMS CLUB DINING

U.S. AMATEUR PRACTICE ROUND 2

U.S. AMATEUR STROKE PLAY QUALIFYING

Member Tent open (Bar Only)

U.S. AMATEUR STROKE PLAY QUALIFYING

U.S. AMATEUR MATCH PLAY ROUND OF 32 AND ROUND OF 16

Member Tent open (Bar Only)

U.S. AMATEUR MATCH PLAY QUARTERFINALS

U.S. AMATEUR MATCH PLAY SEMIFINALS

U.S. Amateur Outing WEST COURSE REOPENS: Member/ CLOSED: Guest Play Only EAST COURSE WEST COURSE EAST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY CLOSED: GOLF SHOP Through 8/21 for LOCKER ROOMS Aerification CLUB DINING CLOSED: EAST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY GOLF SHOP LOCKER ROOMS CLUB DINING

WEST COURSE OPEN: Member/Guest Play Only; Bungalow Dining Open; Burger Night at the Bungalow

WEST COURSE: Open

CLUB DINING RESUMES

EAST COURSE REOPENS Saturday Event

WEST COURSE Family Fun Night

East Course, Clubhouse and Practice Range closed

WEST COURSE 18-Holers Grandmothers' Cup

West Course opens at 12:30 p.m.

EAST COURSE 18-Holers

U.S. AMATEUR MATCH PLAY 36-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

SUNDAY NIGHT COOKOUT

U.S. AMATEUR MATCH PLAY ROUND OF 64

U.S. AMATEUR Player Registration

CLOSED: EAST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY GOLF SHOP LOCKER ROOMS CLUB DINING

LOCKER ROOMS REOPEN GOLF SHOP REOPENS

PRACTICE FACILITY REOPENS

CLUB RESUMES WEST COURSE: Open; NORMAL OPERATING Twilight Golf SCHEDULE CLOSED: EAST COURSE PRACTICE FACILITY

29 WEST COURSE 9-, 6-, and 3-Hole Junior Club Championship

WEST COURSE 9-Holers Interclub

EAST & WEST COURSES Saturday Event

WEST COURSE East Course, Men's CaddieClubhouse and Member Tournament Practice Range closed SUNDAY NIGHT COOKOUT

FORE is published monthly by Merion Golf Club • 450 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003 • MerionGolfClub.com Managing Editor: Brittany Grugan, Communications Director, brittanygrugan@meriongolfclub.com Merion Member Editors: Debby Light, Stephen K. Ryan, Sherry Wert

AUGUST 2026 - FORE