From there, Yale students joined the newly opened Race Brook Country Club in Orange, Connecticut.

After witnessing much enthusiasm among his undergraduates, George Adee wrote a proposal to the Yale Athletic Association out of concern and frustration in 1922.

Tompkins had amassed a large wealth while serving as the president of the Chemung Canal Trust Company in New York.

However, in his will existed a provision that upon the death of his wife the remainder of his wealth would be given to Yale "to furnish facilities for extending and developing the practice of athletic exercises on the part of students of the University."

In 1923 following Adee's proposal, Yale approached Sarah Tompkins in hopes that she would purchase a plot of land known of the Greist Estate and donate it to the University.

[5] Following the donation of the Griest Estate by Sarah Tompkins, a Yale Golf Committee was formed.

To become a patron, one would have to pay $1000 but would be granted, “all privileges of the Ray Tompkins Memorial, including unrestricted lifetime use of the Yale Golf Course, and the option to make during lifetime one transfer of his rights, subject to the approval of the Board of Control.” Some of the alums who supported became patrons include Edwin Herr, George Adee, W. T. Adee, Charles Tiffany, Edward S. Harkness, M.N.

The land was high, heavily wooded, hilly, and no part of it had been cultivated for over forty years.

When in the timber one could not see fifty feet ahead, the underbrush was so thick.In total 120 acres of the estate was made available for the course.

One reviewer, the legendary sportswriter Herbert Warren Wind, wrote that the Yale Golf Course was, "a back-breaking job over an untouched plot of rugged land whose hazards and greens have the kind of dimensions that one would have expected of Michelangelo.

Beckett improved the financial situation of the course, which included an investment program and alumni support base.

[11] With the additional funds Yale was able to advance the quality of the course through tree removal, improved irrigation, and regular visits from USGA agronomists.

[16][17] In addition, the course has hosted many significant college tournaments including the NCAA Regional Championships, Macdonald Cup,[18] and the Yale Spring Invitational.