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Spirit Golf outlines clubhouse expansion with banquet space, simulators and covered pavilion
Summary
Spirit Golf presented a pre-design study to expand the Five Paws clubhouse with a full bar and restaurant, covered outdoor pavilion, a two‑story addition to hold up to 200 guests, improved kitchen and restrooms, an elevator and golf simulator rooms; no approvals were sought—this was an informational concept study.
Spirit Golf representatives presented a conceptual plan July 18 to the Warminster Township Board of Supervisors that would expand the Five Paws clubhouse to add a full bar and restaurant, a permanent covered outdoor pavilion, a two‑story addition with basement storage and new restrooms, and golf simulator space designed to support leagues and year‑round play.
Mike Atara, who identified himself as president of Spirit Golf and manager of the club, told the board the course has seen “tremendous success” in food, beverage and golf revenue and that the expansion aims to meet demand for larger weddings and events and to provide a sit‑down bar and improved outdoor seating. “People gravitate outdoors these days,” Atara said, describing a permanent covered pavilion to replace the temporary tent used for events.
Architect Linda Spock of Rael Architects walked the board through floor plans and renderings described as pre‑design study material. The proposal retains much of the existing structure while renovating interior spaces, adding a bar and restaurant area, and constructing a multi‑level addition that includes a bridal suite with a balcony overlooking the course. Spock emphasized operational improvements for events, including new banquet restrooms and better kitchen flow to make plated dinners practical for large groups.
Designer Mike Raphael outlined the addition’s layout, saying the plan would create a bar seating area for about 18–20 patrons and an indoor‑outdoor flow with large doors between the bar and covered patio. The two‑story addition, with a basement for mechanicals and storage, was described as sized to accommodate roughly a 200‑person event while allowing smaller gatherings via movable partitions.
Marley Fante, a golf course staff member who performs venue tours for prospective clients, said demand is increasing and that simulators have become a popular amenity that can extend operating hours and keep business viable in the off season. “We’re getting a lot of phone calls,” Fante said, arguing the upgrades would help the course compete for weddings and multiple concurrent bookings.
The presentation was informational; the board did not take an approval vote. Township staff and the designers said the materials are a pre‑design study and that further design work, permitting, parking adjustments and a timeline would be developed before any formal application or approvals.
