What’s the History of the Wicker Basket Pins at Merion Golf Club?

You may notice the strange, red orbs that top each pin at Merion Golf Club for the 2013 U.S. Open. These wicker baskets in place of flags are a staple of the club that dates back to 1915.

But the reason they are there at all is a bit of a mystery. One legend says that the club's course designer once traveled overseas and saw shepherds carrying their lunches in wicker baskets atop long sticks.

That was debunked by historian Jeff Silverman, who told media that no one really knows.

What the wicker basket does is add extra difficulty to the intimate course. Without flags, players have a more difficult time determining wind direction and speed. Wicker doesn't move in the wind.

On a course as short as Merion, every wrinkle it can throw at the players, from undulating greens to wicker baskets on top of pins, will add difficulty and character both players and fans will enjoy.