Jim,
I questioned the grain issue as well, no worries there. But seeing is believing. Over time, I really feel there is grain at Merion, even at such short mowing heights. The 11th green at Merion happens to be the lowest area of the course. Even putts on the other side of the road on 14,16,17 and 18 (forget 15 green because of the slope) are influenced by grain towards 11 green.
I believe Scott Anderson said that the grain at HVCC follows gravity first, which obviously indicates drainage and secondarily by the sun.