A MARLBORO COUNTRY CLUB CRAFTS AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ON A SCENIC SLICE OF NEW JERSEY GREENERY
BY ERIK SCHONING PHOTOS BY ROBERT NUZZIE
An exceptional country club is far more than a recreational retreat; it feels like a home away from home. For the past 29 years, that’s exactly what Anthony Beshara has been cultivating at Bella Vista in Marlboro.
“My cousin, Gary, came up with the idea for diving into something completely new and different from the businesses we both currently owned and operated,” noted Beshara of his entry into the country club scene.
In 1995, what began as a visionary concept became a reality known as Bella Vista Country Club.
Marcella Wotton, Beshara’s longtime assistant, said, “He has his hands in everything, right down to marketing. He’s personal with our members. He’s here all the time. You don’t see that very often. A lot of clubs are corporate-owned or owned by members, but we’re family-owned.”
In the ensuing years after Beshara took over the reins, the course was expanded from nine to 18 holes, as Beshara purchased adjacent plots of earth to expand Bella Vista. In 2000, with the assistance of Steven Kay, a brand-new course was unveiled, described by Beshara as a challenging course that rewards a skilled, smart golfer and is cruel to the golfer who underestimates the par 70.
Since the beginning, Beshara has had many ambitious plans for the growth of Bella Vista, most notably the launch of innovative golf programs for new golfers, juniors, and specifically female golfers. In the tradition ally male-dominated world of golf, this is no small undertaking. (Wotton herself remembers going to another private course and being denied access to the clubhouse until after a certain time.) But recognizing women as major players in the sport have long been an important element of the business for Beshara and his team, and so far, the response has been overwhelming.
“He strongly believes that women, whether golfers or not, should never be made to feel uncomfortable coming to the club,” noted Wotton of Beshara’s approach.
Beshara and Wotton have launched a Fore Women Only club that hosts both golf and social events, including the wildly popular Sip and Swing soirée. The initiative is a simple extension of the promise of Bella Vista Country Club: inclusivity extends beyond the sport itself.
Like many courses, Bella Vista also offers a host of event services, including catering, weddings, parties, and even a member-run bocce ball league. The food is a special point of pride for Beshara, with a mindset that is a far cry from the status quo. “Our culinary team is creative, talented, and prepares dishes with heart and soul,” said Beshara.
Beshara has invested heavily in Bella Vista’s offerings over the years, including a wedding and event venue destination that he renovated himself. (“He oversaw every stitch of fabric that went on every curtain,” Wotton said.) Every room features a different atmosphere, and the club’s bridal suite was recently renovated as well. One of Beshara’s guiding principles has been to continue to reimagine what his business has to offer by constant and never-ending improvement. He’s resolved never to rest on his laurels, even 29 years after taking over the club.
“Anthony’s commitment to continuous improvement is unwavering,” said Wotton. “He prioritizes investing time in training his management and staff. He recognizes small details, and believes in the importance of a customer-first mentality to maintain the success of his business. It’s been repeated so many times over the years by our members, who say Bella Vista is like their second home. Gary and Anthony created it.
In Italian, Bella Vista translates to “beautiful view.” For a scenic golf course, it’s a fitting name. But just as important as the view itself is the people you share it with, and that community is something Beshara has never stopped building.
Bella Vista Country Club
100 School Road, Marlboro
732.308.4600 / bellavistacountryclub.com