The idea for a country club was born in April of 1955 with ten gentlemen: Harold Brewer, Don Parke, Clyde Clayburn, Bob McIntosh, Jack Prose, Jerry Foster, Jay Colby, Al Bowler, Gus Nimtz, and William Cornelison. Their search began for the perfect spot for a golf course settling on a piece4 of property owned by Mr. Tedd Knowles. Making thier dream a reality, Rolling Hills Country Club was incorporated in Colorado on November 18, 1955.
After months of negotiation, the sale of the land was completed in February 1956 and construction of their temporary clubhouse began. Thanks to the number of generous individuals who accepted a membership in exchange for supplies, it came at no cost to the membership. Construction of the first nine holes was begun in the spring of 1956. Again, it was a labor of love by the stuggling but determined membership, now consisting of 226 members. The first 9 holes were officially opened for play on September 1, 1956.
By 1958 the membership had grown to 600 members and construction of the permanent cluhouse, known today as the Applewood Inn, was completed in February 1960.
Moving to a new location...
In the mid 60's, Coors Brewing Company, who owned a 180 acre tract of land on the south side of West 32nd Avenue, proposed that a land swap be negotiated. Coors agreed to underwrite the cost of building a new 18-Hole championship golf course, a new cluhouse, proshop, swimming pool, and tennis courts in exchange for the land of the original location of Rolling Hills Country Club.
On October 27, 1965 a special meeting of the Board of Directors and the membership was held to discuss the proposition that Rolling Hills exchange their existing facility for a new facility to be located at our present site. After much debate, the membership agreed that the Board of Directors should continue negotiations with Coors Brewing Company, which eventually led to the present location and beauty of Rolling Hills Country Club.
On Sunday, March 24, 1968, over 350 members and guests attended the sneak preview of the new clubhouse and couldn't be happier. The Grand Re-Opening was held March 28, 1968. The membership today continues to enjoy the dedication and commmitment of our founding members and couldn't be prouder of the "family" they have built here in their backyard. |