European and U.S. Hickory Grail teams at Falsterbo, Sweden in 2009.
The seventh quest for the Hickory Grail is scheduled for Nov. 8-9 at The Dormie Club, in Pinehurst, N.C. Europe has the honor of defending the Grail, having taken it with a convincing victory over the Falsterbo links in Sweden in 2009. David Kirkwood of Gullane, Scotland captains the European team, while William Farmer of Dallas, Texas captains the U.S. team. Teams will participate in a flag raising ceremony on Nov. 7, 2011, and then compete in a full Ryder Cup format over two days. Established by Ralph Livingston III and Dr. David Hamilton in 2000, the Hickory Grail is conducted on a biennial basis, home and home, under the auspices of the British Golf Collectors Society.
For SoHG members who are attending the Mid Pines Hickory Open, the Hickory Grail may provide a good reason to extend your stay for a couple of days. The matches can be as compelling to follow as the Ryder Cup itself.