Rolling Hills Golf Club is now La Belle Golf Club

The former Rolling Hills Golf Club has been sold to a group that includes a life-long Oconomowoc resident, two current golf course owners and a physician. The group closed on the original Lac La Belle Country Club on July 13. The golf course, built in 1896, is one of the oldest in the state of Wisconsin.

It will be renamed La Belle Golf Club and will be open to the public.

Life-long resident of the Oconomowoc community, John Meunier has been in the golf equipment industry for over 16 years representing the Cleveland Golf and Srixon brands.

He will be the General Manager of the facility located on 128 acres on the north end of Lac La Belle.

"I grew up playing La Belle when I was 9 years old in the junior program. It is a special place with a proud history and heritage. It's neat to see the community's excitement to this new purchase and hear how they want this business to be successful. We will have leagues, group outings, competitive events and social parties. My strength is my ties to the people in this area and I invite the community to come out and support us." said Meunier.

"Our goal is to make this golf club better today than it was yesterday and better tomorrow than it was today. We expect to bring excitement and energy to the property and build it into one of the best golf courses in the Lake Country area. Our vision is to provide seasonal memberships along with daily access to both member and group play. The golf business, in my opinion, is a hospitality business. People want to come out and play golf and enjoy themselves. When you greet a customer with a friendly face, treat them right and offer them a good product with a fair price I believe everyone wins." said an upbeat Meunier.

Frank Romano has ownership interests in Fire Ridge Golf Course, Scenic View Country Club and Blackstone Creek Golf Course. He currently is the Treasurer of the National Golf Course Owners Association and has been in the golf business for over 25 years.

"It's an exciting time for me to expand our golf course portfolio into the Lake Country. We believe with our resources and experience we can make La Belle a tremendous asset to the area and to the golfer while also offering a sensational venue for weddings and other community or charitable events." said Romano.

Troy Schmidt is co-owner with Romano at Blackstone Creek Golf Club in Germantown. He has been a Class A PGA Golf Professional since 1998 and has previously worked as Head Golf Professional at Kettle Hills Golf Course, Scenic View Country Club and Fire Ridge Golf Club. He has been involved in many aspects of the PGA including a position on the Tournament Policy Board.

"I have a passion to grow the game I love in every aspect. I am excited to expand this passion and bring my experience to the Lake Country. Bringing La Belle back to a place people want to play and belong will be the mission. I envision a public place with a private feel. Golf is all about entertainment. We want players to enjoy their experience from the moment they arrive and to leave wanting to come back again." said Schmidt.

Dr. William Kraklow is a partner with Midwest Nephrology Associates.

"I fell in love with the La Belle property the first time I saw it. I'm excited to be part of a great group of guys who also happen to be experienced golf entrepreneurs." said Kraklow.

La Belle Golf Club annual memberships with have reciprocity membership rights at three other courses - Fire Ridge, Scenic View and Blackstone Creek. "It will be similar to what the Legend clubs are doing now, but on a public scale. We think this gives our members more value, more flexibility and more selection throughout the golf season." said Romano.

The 18 hole golf course includes a 17,000 square foot clubhouse, restaurant and driving range.

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