Morefar Back O'Beyond explained

Morefar Back O'Beyond Golf Club
Pushpin Map:USA Connecticut
Coordinates:41.4095°N -73.5432°W
Location:Danbury, Connecticut and Southeast, New York
Establishment:1964
Type:Private
Holes:18
Rating1:73.7
Slope1:138

Morefar Back O'Beyond is a secretive, little-used private golf course located on 500acres in both Danbury, Connecticut and Southeast, New York. The course can be seen from portions of the Richter Park public course and has garnered local rumor as to its origin and ownership.[1]

Course officials do not cooperate with the press seeking information about the facility. It appears the course was established in 1964 (some sources say 1962) by Cornelius Vander Starr who had founded the company later known as AIG over forty years before. His ashes are interred on the fifteenth tee.[2] In 2006, it was owned by Starr International, a Bermuda-based company long associated with AIG and the Starr family.[3] It is currently controlled by Maurice Greenberg, former AIG Chief Executive Officer.[4] Starr International also does not discuss the facility.

In 2010, press reports stated the course was owned by the private Back O' Beyond Inc., based in Brewster.[5]

It appears memberships are not available to the public and the course may only be used by employees of Starr International. Some companies associated with AIG and the financial sector were able to host functions at the club in the mid-2000s.[6] Sculptures dot the course.

The course, a par 69, measures 6748 yards. Edward C. Ryder (d. 1986) and Val Carlson are credited as its designers.[7] Edward C. Ryder is also known for designing the nearby Richter Park Golf Course.

The course includes a restaurant and full bar. Walking is not allowed on the course; players must use a cart.[8] The course also has a small driving range.

Victor Boyd is the general manager.[7] David Thompson is the course pro.[8]

Notes and References

  1. News: Association of Golf Club With A.I.G. Still Rankles. Kilgannon. Corey. Cohen, Noam. August 16, 2009. The New York Times. 2009-08-17.
  2. News: Soltis. Andy. GOLF’S PENALTY STROKE – ‘AX’ FOR PREGNANCY. 29 April 2018. New York Post. 28 February 2006.
  3. Web site: Starr International Company, Inc.. https://archive.today/20130118164918/http://investing.businessweek.com/businessweek/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=27009172. dead. January 18, 2013. Business Week. 2009-08-17.
  4. News: Secret AIG golf course? Not quite. Hazlett. Alexandra. August 17, 2009. Daily News. New York. 2009-08-17.
  5. News: Miller. Robert. Danbury to preserve 'entryway into the city' as open space. 29 April 2018. The News-Times. Danbury, CT. 8 April 2010.
  6. News: Exclusive Morefar Is Far More Mysterious Than Most Golf Links. Turner. Richard. April 27, 2005. The Wall Street Journal. 2009-08-17.
  7. Web site: Morefar Golf Course. 2009-08-17.
  8. Web site: Morefar Back O' Beyond Golf Club. 2009-08-17.