ARDMORE, Pa. — Garry Van Arkel got a taste of what was in store when the U.S. Golf Association commandeered part of his property for parking and turned his tennis court into a security tent worthy of Philadelphia International Airport. Folks like Van Arkel, who live in the stately homes lining the perimeter of Merion Golf Club, suddenly have 25,000 new best friends for drinks and nibbles and hanging out in genteel surroundings. Who knew, the block party of the summer could be found on Golf House Road. Then again, there was little choice. To pull off the U.S. Open, which hadn’t been played at Merion since 1981, club officials needed help from members, many of whom live on...
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