Raven's Claw Opens New Clubhouse & Learning Center

The new clubhouse has opened at Raven's Claw Golf Club in Limerick, Pa. Modeled in the traditional Adirondack style, with high ceilings and majestic wrap-around terraces, the 11,000-square-foot clubhouse is the latest piece in the puzzle for this daily-fee course in Pennsylvania's-golf-rich Montgomery County.

The package for Raven's Claw, which opened 18 holes on July 4th, is now complete. The clubhouse features a "great room" designed in the style of an Irish pub. An antique bar is the focal point of the space, with a fireplace and living room at one end and table seating at the other. The wood for the face of the bar, the fireplace and the cabinets was salvaged from the Elkins Estate in Chestnut Hill, which dated back to 1760. The wood was restored by master craftsman Larry Hogan to give the room a luxurious warmth.

There is seating for 80 in the dining room and another 14 at the bar. Another 120 can be accommodated in outdoor terrace seating. On the second floor of the clubhouse is a meeting room with the latest audiovisual equipment. It will seat another 75 for corporate or private functions.

The pro shop is an efficient 900 square feet in size. The shop was designed to merchandise logo items and equipment, while offering views of the first tee, 18th green, practice area and the bag-drop area.

"We wanted the clubhouse to reflect the casual feeling of total hospitality at Raven's Claw," said Bob Davis, one of the club’s owners. "This is not just a place to play golf. This is a place to enjoy a golfer's lifestyle. We want people to feel that this is where they can come and spend an entire day."

The restaurant is called Anna Marie's at Raven's Claw. It employs the talents of Anna Marie Chestnut, who operated a successful restaurant in Royersford for 15 years. Her new eatery will offer everything from breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that appeal to today's tastes.

With the opening of the Learning Center, golf course architect Ed Shearon feels that Raven's Claw is now complete. The driving range will be stocked with pyramid-stacked golf balls, and the short game practice area will be available during all golf hours to players and members.

"This is an essential part of a complete golf club in the 21st century," said Shearon, an architect who received national acclaim for his designs at RiverWinds (West Deptford Township, N.J.) and Vineyard Golf at Renault Winery (near Atlantic City). "People want to be able to practice, and not just hit balls into a field. They want to be able to practice with a purpose."

For more information or a tee time at Raven’s Claw, call 610/495-4710 or visit www.ravensclawgolfclub.com.