2023 January Golf memorabilia Auction - Closing Date 2/5/2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/5/2023
Classic Merion Golf Club Putting Green Wicker Basket - Seldom Seen
Merion Golf Club was founded in 1896, but their iconic symbol of the red wicker basket was first referenced in print in a local Philadelphia newspaper in the summer of 1915. Prominently centered in the club's logo, Merion Golf Club uses the baskets in place of pin flags to mark each hole of their East Course. Here is a classic red wicker basket on top of the red and white striped pole that is seen on the course's practice putting green. This club is perennially ranked in the top ten of Golf Digest's 'America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses' and has hosted five US Open tournaments over the years. It has hosted some of the most important golf tournaments in golf history including the 1930 US Amateur (Bobby Jones) and the 1950 US Open (Ben Hogan). The front nine holes of the East Course are red baskets, with the backside utilizing those orange in color.
One of the greatest traditions in golf is thanks to a man named William Flynn. Superintendent Flynn was responsible for the first baskets at Merion in 1915. Upon receiving a federal US patent, William Flynn requested the committee's permission to place them on the course. They said yes, but at his cost. Worth it. The original color scheme was white baskets out, orange in. After WWII the white were painted Toro brand red, the paint they had laying around for the equipment. The orange baskets left on the back 9. The baskets eventual affect on play? Unlike normal pin flags these are not affected by the wind of that day - players shooting at the pins by feel and without the indicator.
This example of the Merion red basket is in good condition, some signs of usage on the metal funnel that connects the basket to the red and white metal pole. The red painted cup at the bottom has semi-circle cutouts around it. Prior to a company in North Carolina producing these baskets, they were made on site - each unique with slight irregularities. This originates from the Don D. Shock family, who was known as the "Gentlemen's Golf Professional." Close with Jack Nicklaus, along with those in the industry throughout the United States, Shock was best known as the head professional at Columbus Country Club for 31 years after a successful collegiate career at Ohio State University. Please refer to pictures of this item for any additional condition questions. These remain the gold standard for flown course "flags", instantly recognizable for Merion's rich history and championship pedigree. 34"
The Golf Auction is proud to present this, our first auction of 2023. This eclectic group of memorabilia represents all areas of the golf collecting world, so please utilize the categories column to help navigate you towards your preferred collectibles. Bids must be placed before 10pm ET, Sunday, February 5th in order to participate in extended bidding
AUCTION CLOSING RULES:
Place your bids NOW as this auction will close beginning at 10:00pm EDT Sunday, February 5th. When placing your INITIAL bid in the auction, you must agree to the terms BEFORE confirming your bid. Each lot will have its own 30 minute countdown clock during extended bidding. The clock will extend 30-minutes from the time of the most recently placed bid for that lot. If no bids are placed on that lot during a 30-minute period, the lot will close. Place your bids now!
1. Place your initial bids BEFORE 10pm ET to bid on the item in extended bidding
2. During extended bidding, you may bid only on items you PREVIOUSLY placed a bid on.
3. Lots with only ONE or NO BIDS will close at 10pm ET
Extended bidding starts at 10pm ET, and each lot will begin closing with its own 30-minute countdown timer. Lots without a bid during extended bidding will close at 10:30pm ET. We recommend you place your maximum bid(s) prior to that time. Thank you
Please Note: A 19.5% Buyer's Premium will be applied to each item won in auction. If you pay in full with cash, check, or money order the buyer’s premium is discounted by 2.5% to 17%. All sales are final
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