Most people think of Greenwich, Connecticut, as a place where things have stayed exactly the same for a hundred years. You have the stone walls, the winding backcountry roads, and the high-profile gates. But Fairview Country Club Greenwich Connecticut is actually a bit of a nomad. It didn’t start here. In fact, if New York City hadn't needed an aqueduct and the state hadn't decided to build Interstate 287, this club might still be sitting in Westchester County.
Honestly, the story of Fairview is one of the most resilient in American golf.
It’s a "hidden gem" in the most literal sense. Tucked away on King Street, right on the border of New York and Connecticut, it’s often overshadowed by its more "famous" neighbors like Winged Foot or Quaker Ridge. But don’t let that fool you. If you’re lucky enough to get past the front gate, you’re stepping into a piece of history that’s been rebuilt and refined three different times.
The Club That Kept Moving
Fairview was born in 1904. It started on leased land in Bronxville, but that didn't last long. By 1907, they moved to Elmsford. You’ve probably driven past where it used to be without even knowing it.
The club was actually thriving in Elmsford. They had a massive English Tudor mansion for a clubhouse and an 18-hole course designed by the legendary Donald Ross. This wasn't some minor local track; it was a heavy hitter. Major winners like Johnny Farrell (1928 U.S. Open) and Tony Manero (1936 U.S. Open) actually came out of the caddie ranks at Fairview.
Then, the world changed.
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The 1960s brought the construction of I-287. The highway basically sliced right through the heart of their property. While other clubs might have just folded or merged, Fairview decided to pack up and cross the state line. In 1968, they moved to their current home in Greenwich. They didn't just move the members; they brought the entire culture of the club with them.
Robert Trent Jones Sr. and the Greenwich Transformation
When the club moved to King Street, they didn't mess around. They hired Robert Trent Jones Sr., the "Open Doctor," to design the new layout.
Jones was known for a very specific style: big, bold, and intimidating. If you’ve played his courses, you know the drill. You have the "runway" tees that seem to go on forever, massive jigsaw-shaped bunkers, and greens that require a degree in geometry to read.
A Tale of Two Nines
What’s really interesting about Fairview Country Club Greenwich Connecticut is how the two halves of the course feel like different worlds.
- The Front Nine: It’s relatively open. You can see the trouble coming, but that doesn't make it any easier to avoid.
- The Back Nine: This is where the Greenwich terrain really starts to flex. It’s more wooded, more secluded, and requires a lot more precision.
In 2010, they brought in Rees Jones—the son of the original architect—to handle a master plan and modernization. He didn't tear it up; he basically just "polished the silver." He updated the irrigation, refined the bunkering, and made sure the course could still stand up to modern equipment. More recently, in 2021, the course saw further refinements to keep it at a championship level.
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Beyond the Fairways: Life at Fairview
It’s easy to get hyper-focused on the golf, but Fairview is a family-oriented social hub. It’s not just a place to hit a ball; it’s a place where people actually spend their entire Saturdays.
The racquet sports program is massive here. Most clubs have a couple of courts, but Fairview has 10 green clay courts and two hard courts. They even have "Bar 1904," which is a nod to their founding year, where you can grab a cocktail overlooking the pool. It’s got that "old school Greenwich" feel without being stuffy or unapproachable.
Wait, what about the food?
Executive Chef Jeff Perez has been there since 2002. Think about that for a second. In the restaurant world, twenty-plus years at one spot is unheard of. It means the members actually like the food. They have a new outdoor dining terrace that overlooks the course, which—kinda bias here—is probably one of the best sunset spots in the area.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re hoping to just show up and play, I have some bad news. It’s strictly private. Membership is by invitation only, and you usually need a sponsor and a seconder within the club to even get your foot in the door.
If you are lucky enough to be invited as a guest, here are the unwritten (and some written) rules:
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- The Dress Code is Real: Don't show up in cargo shorts. For tennis, you need "proper white attire." We're talking mostly white, though color accents are usually okay.
- Cell Phones: Be discreet. Nobody wants to hear your conference call on the 14th tee box.
- The Caddies: They are a huge part of the tradition here. Use them. Not only will they save your legs, but they’ll also save you about six strokes on the greens.
The Verdict on Fairview
Is it the most famous club in Greenwich? No. Is it the most exclusive? Probably not. But Fairview has a "soul" that a lot of the newer, flashier clubs lack. It’s a club that survived being displaced by an interstate and managed to build a Robert Trent Jones masterpiece in the process.
It’s a survivor.
If you’re looking for a club that prioritizes a great golf course and a tight-knit family atmosphere over "branding" and flash, this is it. It’s a place where the staff knows your name and the greens are always a little faster than you expect.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
If you're interested in the architecture, look up the Robert Trent Jones Society archives; they have some incredible photos of the Greenwich site during construction in the 60s. For those looking to join, start by networking within the Greenwich or Westchester business communities, as the club remains a "member-owned" private entity where personal connections are the only real currency for entry.