The first Grimbleford golf competition was played in the summer of 1980 at the St Enodoc Golf Course in Cornwall. 

The competition, initially over 36 holes of Stableford stroke play, is solely for members of the Higson family through birth or marriage. Honoured and generally more talented guest are welcomed to participate and win, but can never claim the trophy.

The competition has generally been played annually and included UK, European SE Asian venues and Bermuda. Since the mid 1990's it has been over 18 holes in deference to aging legs.