FOUNDED in 1896,
the golf course at Lac La Belle drew immediate play from the yachting and equestrian set that populated the mansions on the shores of the lake bearing the same name. What the local players lacked in golfing skill, they made up for with unbridled enthusiasm. Oconomowoc and the surrounding lakes were commonly known in the high society circles of Chicago and Milwaukee as the seat of wealth…the summer seat. The golf course, like everything else built for this demanding clientele, simply had to be the best, and it was.
Lac La Belle earned its place in golf history over 120 years ago as the Course of Champions.
A love for the game that started over 120 years ago.
The Old Course at Lac La Belle
Notable early dates:
1895
Organized by Prescription
Course located at Woodruff’s Hill, in the back acres of the H. H. Shufeldt family property.
October 7th, 1896
Incorporated
Course relocated to current site, 80 acres acquired from club member George Seaverns.
April 25th, 1899
USGA Allied Membership
Joins Milwaukee Country Club as the third Wisconsin club to be approved as an Allied Member of the USGA.
Above
Several early U.S. Open Championship winners are shown surrounded by caddies and admirers. Willie Anderson, a four-time champion and Lac La Belle pro in 1900, is shown with his arm around Alex Smith. Alex and Willie were good friends and competitors.
Seated on the ground in front of them is Horace Rawlins, the first U.S. Open champion in 1895.
Members enjoy a competitive "clock putting" contest in front of the clubhouse and farm barn, which was later dismantled. (c. 1898)
Caddies take the free ferry from downtown to the course.
A course with true Championship heritage.
Alex Smith
Lac La Belle’s First Golf Professional
U.S. Open Golf Championship
2nd |
2nd |
1st |
1st |
1898 |
1901 |
1906 |
1910 |
Lac La Belle Championship
2nd |
3rd |
||
1899 |
1900 |
Robert S. Simpson
Lac La Belle’s Second Golf Professional
Western Open Championship
1st |
3rd |
1st |
1907 |
1908 |
1911 |
Lac La Belle Championship
5th |
||
1899 |
Willie Anderson
Lac La Belle’s Third Golf Professional
U.S. Open Golf Championship
2nd |
3rd |
1st |
1st |
1897 |
1898 |
1901 |
1903 |
1st |
1st |
||
1904 |
1905 |
Lac La Belle Championship
3rd |
1900 |
The Early Years of Golf, and Lac La Belle
Top row: left, The original clubhouse, right, a horse-pulled grass mower. Middle row: left, Lac La Belle Club Pros and U.S. Open Champions Willie Anderson and Alex Smith, right, taking a practice swing outside the old Clubhouse. Bottom row: left, a seated Willie Anderson, middle, Lynn Lardner Jr. with his family after winning the Wisconsin State Amateur championship, right, Willie Anderson brings back his club for the photo op.
Become a Member and be a Partner to a Rich Heritage
Ambassador/Lifetime Membership Details
Exclusive Limited Offering
The Club at Lac La Belle is one of the oldest courses in America and was founded in 1896. It is now a semi-private club with a rich 120+ year history.
Ambassador Memberships offer a unique opportunity to individuals who would like to share in our vision. These members, while limited in numbers, enjoy additional benefits on their golfing experience as well as the other amenities offered at The Club at Lac La Belle.
If you are interested in pursuing a Membership, please use the form on the Membership page to contact us. You can also call Tyler Morse regarding Memberships at (262) 490-4999. We look forward to a lasting partnership with you.