The East Course at the Merion Golf Club is unique in that it does not use traditional flags on its holes. Instead, the holes are adorned with hard, egg-shaped wicker baskets attached to steel sticks. This unconventional choice has been a defining feature of the course for almost a century.
The use of these wicker baskets in place of flags is not merely a decorative choice, but rather a functional one. The baskets serve the same purpose as flags on other courses, indicating the location of the hole and providing a target for golfers to aim at. However, they also have some distinct advantages over traditional flags.
One of the main benefits of using baskets instead of flags is their visibility. The wicker baskets are larger and more easily seen from a distance, making it easier for golfers to spot the hole and determine their target. This can be particularly helpful for wayward golfers who may have strayed off the fairway and need a clear indication of where to aim their shots.
The baskets also have a unique visual appeal. Their egg-like shape and woven wicker design add a touch of charm and character to the course. They stand out against the green landscape, catching the eye of golfers and spectators alike. The fluttering of the wicker in the wind adds a dynamic element to the course, almost like a beckoning wave guiding golfers towards their destination.
The use of baskets at the Merion Golf Club’s East Course is not a recent innovation. In fact, it has been a tradition at the club for over a century. This long-standing tradition adds a sense of history and nostalgia to the course, connecting golfers to the past and the many players who have walked the same fairways over the years.
Playing a round of golf at a course with baskets instead of flags can be a unique and memorable experience. The sight of the wicker baskets standing tall on the greens, guiding golfers towards their targets, creates a distinct atmosphere that sets the Merion Golf Club apart from other courses.
The Merion Golf Club’s East Course is known for its use of wicker baskets instead of traditional flags. These baskets serve the same purpose as flags, indicating the location of the holes and providing targets for golfers. The baskets offer advantages such as increased visibility and visual appeal, and they have been a tradition at the club for many years. Playing a round of golf at this course can be a truly special experience, immersing golfers in the rich history and unique charm of the Merion Golf Club.