Since 2000, the Hairy Crab Invitaional has gathered freinds from around the world for fun, competitive golf while benefitting childrens' charities in Asia. Founded in Shanghai, the Crab was patterned after the Jolly Buffalo played for years at Chung Shan Hot Springs in southern China. After spending it's first two decades in China, the Crab now visits a different location each year. Recent tournaments have been held in Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the U.S..
The Crab has topped over $1 million US dollars raised for charity with 100% of that money going directly to our beneficiary charities. Our primary beneficiary in One Sky whose support reaches thousands of children in China, Vietnam and Mongolia. Past beneficiaries have included the Fudan University Children's Hospital and Heart to Heart in Shanghai as well as the Parc Center in Florida.
The 54 hole two man team competition held over three days. Three different formats are used, Best Ball, Scramble and Alternate Shot. The rotating format keeps things interesting and has produced some memorable finishes on the final holes. Teams are chosen the night prior to the tournament via a blind draw matching a "Crab" (lower handicaps) and a "Shrimp" (higher handicaps). The draw is immediately followed by a calcutta auction of the teams.
The Jolly Buffalo format has spread to a number of tournaments which now comprise the Jolly/Hairy Tour. While the Buffalo is no more, current events include the Hairy Crab, the Jolly Elephant in Thailand, the Jolly Grizzly in Canada and the Hungry Harimou in Malaysia. Another past incarnation was the Jolly Beaver in Whistler BC.