[Golfers' Bucket List⑦] 'Wicker Basket' Marion "Short but Difficult"

Top 100 US Golf Course 'Number 6', 'Ant Waist' Fairway + 131 Bunkers "Hellish Course"

The greens at Meridian Golf Course use a 'wicker basket' instead of a pin.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyunjun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "There is no flag."

The seventh stop is the Marion Golf Club East Course (Par 70, 6,996 yards) near Ardmore, Pennsylvania, USA. Designed by Hugh Wilson and opened in 1896, it boasts a history of 124 years. This golf course is especially famous for its red willow baskets, known as 'wicker baskets,' used instead of flags. Players must tackle this challenging course with 131 bunkers added to the 'ant waist' fairways, often without being able to gauge the wind's strength or direction.

First, about the 'wicker baskets.' Willow branches are dried and woven into oval lantern-shaped baskets, then painted red. They are also called 'willow baskets.' They are highly visible from a distance and do not sag even without wind, providing a twofold benefit. The idea originated from Wilson's studies in Scotland. Shepherds hung baskets on the tops of their staffs to hold food, preventing sheep from reaching it.

The terrifying rough and bunker at the 17th hole of the East Course at Meridian Golf Club.

It is interesting that the 'wicker basket' is the precursor to the pins used in golf courses worldwide today. They resembled the hairpins popular among women at the time. Initially called 'headpins,' the name was gradually shortened to 'pins.' Of course, there are drawbacks. When the pin is pulled out and placed on the green, it easily breaks and requires frequent repairs. Naturally, its symbolic meaning is greater. The Marion Golf Club logo still features the red basket.

With a total of 36 holes including the West Course, it ranked 6th among the top 100 golf courses in the United States, selected biennially by Golf Digest. It is also historically significant as the stage where 'Golf Saint' Bobby Jones won the 1930 US Amateur Open, achieving the 'Grand Slam' by winning all four majors in one year. The overall atmosphere is short but difficult. It has earned a notorious reputation by hosting the US Open, the 'national title of America,' five times?in 1934, 1950, 1971, 1981, and 2013.

The 18th hole, East Course, Meridian Golf Course.

First, tackling the 'ant waist' fairways is crucial. If the tee shot fails to stay on the fairway, immediate punishment awaits in the form of bunkers and rough. Precision is required to use all 14 clubs appropriately. Par 3 holes range from 115 to 256 yards. Par 4 holes vary widely in length from 303 to 521 yards. There are only two par 5 holes in the front nine: the 2nd hole at 556 yards and the 4th hole at 628 yards. Even long hitters find '2-on' difficult.

The rough is so long that the ball is sometimes completely hidden. Once off the fairway, escape is urgent, and even a 'par save' becomes impossible. Additionally, 131 bunkers lurk throughout the course. There are no distance markers on the way from the fairway to the green; players must silently walk toward the 'wicker basket.' The last five holes are decisive. The par 3 17th hole is 246 yards, and the remaining four par 4 holes all exceed 400 yards. The final variable is the small, firm greens.