One idiosyncrasy of Merion, one that is sure to both charm and intrigue players and spectators alike, is the use of wicker baskets that replace flags on the top of the pins. The baskets have been a feature since the club opened and reputedly came about after course designer Dick Wilson, on a trip to Scotland, noticed the local sheep herders using wicker baskets atop their staffs in order to protect their lunch from the animals. Other versions of the origin of the baskets abound and many golf courses of the era in the United States and the British Isles reportedly used them, although most spurned the idea fairly quickly. The baskets, of course, give no help to players trying to ascertain wind direction on their approach shots.
"A lot of today’s greatest tour golfers haven’t played here, or maybe didn’t even know about Merion until it came back into the US Open lineup again,” says Hank Thompson, the USGA’s championship director. “Based on the number of tour players who came over to play Merion while they were in town for the AT&T National (in 2011) at nearby Aronimink Golf Club, I’d say there is quite a mix of curiosity and excitement."
All of the greats in the history of the game have tested their skills under championship conditions at Merion and only the worthiest of champions have been identified on each occasion, results that have no doubt pleased the USGA over the years who justify the setup of US Open courses to achieve this singular goal. It will not be lost on the players that they face a rare opportunity to win a national championship at a truly historic venue and a wonderfully, unique golf course.
Jack Nicklaus has said that "acre for acre, Merion may be the best test of golf in the world," and it will be intriguing to watch the players of the modern era approach the challenge set by the century-old course. Will the subtleties of the layout finally be overpowered in true US Open conditions or will discipline, strategy and shot making once again reign supreme?
No matter the outcome, having a golf course of this calibre and tradition host America's national title will be a thrill for all concerned. Particularly those who thought they'd never see it held at Merion again.
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