US Open Pins

[Jensen]

What's with these wicker baskets on top of the pins instead of flags, what's that all about......

 

[macca64]

look stupid!

 

[Pin-seeker]

Think it's so the players can't see wich way the wind is blowing. I agree they look stupid.

 

[User20205]

Bit grumpy gents!!

I reckon it's a real point of difference and shows a bit of character.

 

[Fader]

I think they look quality personally and nice to see something different for a change.

 

[brendy]

I see they are quite heavy considering and get taken in each evening so they cant be stolen too.

 

[stevie_r]

Nothing wrong with a bit of quirkiness

 

[Blue in Munich]

Bit grumpy gents!!

I reckon it's a real point of difference and shows a bit of character.

I agree. The architect originally got the idea from Sunningdale. Idea was to avoid assisting the player in judging the wind and ensure the pin was visible from any angle.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I like them. Makes a pleasant change imo

 

[stevelev]

It is as a few have said to prevent the use of the flag assisting with wind indication and constant visibility.

They remind me of little hot air balloons

 

[Doon frae Troon]

They just look plain daft, always have done.

 

[stevie_r]

They just look plain daft, always have done.

I'll tell you what's daft, the black flags at my course, really difficult to pick out on some holes.

Oh, and Merions own web site states that even they don't know the true origin of them.

 

[Qwerty]

I like them, I can't help thinking though that I've seen them somewhere before, any ideas?

 

[groundskeeperwilly]

I really struggle to pick out flags at times so think the baskets are great. Unlikely to see them on my local though....

 

[jp5]

Great idea, look fantastic.

 

[brendy]

Have to say quirky flags are nothing new, I played a council course once that had the odd rake as a flag.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

It is as a few have said to prevent the use of the flag assisting with wind indication and constant visibility.

They remind me of little hot air balloons

That's one theory, but the Merion website says they have been there since 1915 and it is a mystery as to why they were introduced. The wind theory is just one of many

 

[Chrimbo]

it's traditional and unique for the Merion course

http://http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2013/6/11/william-flynn-and-the-wicker-baskets.html

 

[Jdb2005]

All of the pins on the East Course are topped with wicker baskets instead of the usual flags. The course’s designer was in England studying their golf courses when he stumbled upon a few local sheep herders and their flocks. The staffs those shepherds used all had wicker baskets at the top, those baskets served as a storage space for their lunch protecting it from any wildlife. The designer decided to use that idea at Merion, with the baskets being visible despite any wind conditions — unfortunately they do not give the golfer any indication of wind direction at the green either. They have been used since the course's opening, and are featured in the club's logo.

 

[Blue in Munich]

http://www.usopen.com/en_US/news/articles/2013-06-10/201306101370886156484.html