Morefar Back O'Beyond
Morefar Back O'Beyond is a secretive, little-used private golf course located on 500 acres (2.0 km2) 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 interned 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 73, measures 6748 yards. Edward C. Ryder (d. 1986) and also known for nearby Richter Park Golf Course and Val Carlson are credited as its designers.[7] Perhaps 21 foursomes play per day, although regulars on the nearby public course claim to have never seen anyone on the greens.
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]
References
- Kilgannon, Corey; Cohen, Noam (August 16, 2009). "Association of Golf Club With A.I.G. Still Rankles". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-08-17.
- Soltis, Andy (28 February 2006). "GOLF'S PENALTY STROKE – 'AX' FOR PREGNANCY". New York Post. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
- "Starr International Company, Inc". Business Week. Retrieved 2009-08-17.
- Hazlett, Alexandra (August 17, 2009). "Secret AIG golf course? Not quite". Daily News. New York. Retrieved 2009-08-17.
- Miller, Robert (8 April 2010). "Danbury to preserve 'entryway into the city' as open space". Danbury (CT) News-Times. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
- Turner, Richard (April 27, 2005). "Exclusive Morefar Is Far More Mysterious Than Most Golf Links". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2009-08-17.
- "Morefar Golf Course". Retrieved 2009-08-17.
- "Morefar Back O' Beyond Golf Club". Retrieved 2009-08-17.