WGT News! So what's the story? Really no mystery.
Merion was designed by one of its own Members-Hugh Wilson-who had never designed a golf course before. So, being a Scotish immigrant, he went to Scotland & England for 8 mths to study Golf Courses.While there, he noticed local sheep herders.
But the thing that most caught Wilson's eye was how highly visible these baskets were no matter which way the wind was blowing.
No, caddies never stored snacks in them LOL (They keep their snacks with them)
So Wilson brought this back to the club and it has become a Tradition of the club. Winners of Golf Tournaments receive Wicker Baskets
(This just one version, Merion's Website states: "No one knows for sure" Kind of like most of History