Uncle Henry's Backyard Opens at The Club at Lac La Belle By Brian Weis

Uncle Henry's Backyard Opens at The Club at Lac La Belle

By Brian Weis

After two years of construction and even more time in the planning stages, The Club at Lac La Belle is ready to introduce something a little different. Uncle Henry's Backyard, a new 9-hole par-3 course, officially opens for play on May 22, 2026.

The grand opening is not just a ribbon-cutting moment. From May 22 through May 28, the course will be dedicated entirely to local charitable causes, giving golfers a chance to walk the new layout while supporting the community. Details on the featured charities can be found at mailchi.mp/clubatlaclabelle.com/grand-opening-uncle-henrys-backyard.

Behind the Name

The name goes back further than you might expect. Henry Shufeldt was a Chicago distiller who built a considerable fortune after marrying Emeline Egan in 1859. His distillery was good enough to earn a gold medal at the 1878 Paris World's Fair, and he brought his brothers-in-law into the business while establishing family homes in both Chicago and Oconomowoc.

In 1895, Shufeldt built the first golf course in Oconomowoc, right in his own backyard, and in doing so, accidentally launched two careers that would shape American amateur golf. His young nephews, Chandler and Walter Egan, picked up the game on that backyard layout and never looked back.

Beginning in 1902, the Egan brothers became champions in every sense. Between them, they collected college titles at Harvard, Olympic gold medals, Western Amateur championships, USGA Amateur titles, and even an Oconomowoc Open for good measure. All of it traces back to a backyard course their uncle built 130 years ago.

That is a story worth naming a golf course after.

About The Club at Lac La Belle

The Club at Lac La Belle is located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. For more information or to plan a visit, go to clubatlaclabelle.com.

Revised: 04/28/2026 - Article Viewed 311 Times - View Course Profile

About: Brian Weis

While Brian Weis has made a name for himself in the golf world, he also appreciates the finer things in life—like a world-class spa treatment after a grueling 18 holes (or even after a casual round where the only thing working hard was his golf cart). A self-proclaimed "golfer who enjoys relaxation more than practice," Brian has developed a deep appreciation for massages that unknot his questionable swing mechanics, saunas that sweat out a few too many post-round drinks, and infinity pools with views as stunning as a well-manicured par 3.

Brian’s spa journey began as a reluctant tag-along to couples' massages and resort spa packages but quickly evolved into a full-fledged appreciation for hot stone therapy, deep-tissue recovery, and the occasional seaweed wrap (don’t knock it till you try it). Now, he seeks out the best spa retreats, thermal baths, and relaxation havens wherever his travels take him—whether it's a luxury golf resort with a five-star spa or a hidden wellness gem perfect for unwinding in style.

On SpaTrips.com, Brian shares his experiences, reviews, and insider tips on the best places to soothe sore muscles, indulge in rejuvenating treatments, and find true relaxation—whether you're a hardcore golfer in need of recovery or just someone looking for the ultimate escape. After all, what’s the point of a bucket list golf trip if you can’t top it off with an expert massage, a hot soak, and maybe even a ridiculously plush robe"