Seeking The Hickory Grail

Newtown resident Patrick T. Wilson, chef and clubhouse manager at the St Andrews Golf Club in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., was one of the organizers and hosts of the Third Hickory Grail Challenge held September 15 at the club. The contest featured members of the US and British Golf Collectors Societies, playing in the traditional way, in knickers, with hickory-shafted clubs. The main format was foursomes and singles match-play for the Hickory Grail Trophy, an engraved antique silver pitcher.  The St Andrew’s Club is the oldest members’ club in the United States and widely regarded as the American cradle of the game. The clubhouse was built in the 1800s and renovated three years ago. This year the European team took the cup back from the American team. The photos show Chef Wilson with Brian Siplo, US team captain, and with current club president Mike Gentile, past president Mike Beckerich and the entire Team USA.