KC Golf News
Prairie Highlands“ Crushing It” With New Restaurant
Open to the public, Crush Grill offers a varied menu and spectacular views.
Editorial by Alan Hoskins, feature writer
Rear view of the new clubhouse patio and Crush Grill.
( Photo courtesy Prairie Highlands)
In early 2023, Prairie Highlands Golf Club suffered a devastating blow— a fire suppression breakage destroyed the interior of the clubhouse, leaving management with a difficult decision.
“ We had two choices, either repair the damage and the building or go ahead with opening a new public restaurant,” says Steve Price, the regional general manager of GreatLIFE Kansas City, the management firm of the course owned by Jim Klansman and Butch Eaton.
The choice couldn’ t have been better. As of last fall, the private golf club, located at 14695 S. Inverness, Olathe, KS., now offers the Crush Grill, a new upscale bar and grill with an outdoor deck open to both members and the public.
and“ Detroit-style” and“ Spin” pizza to an array of salads, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and roasted jalapeno cheeseburgers. Open 11 a. m.– 9 p. m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9 a. m. – 11 p. m. on Fridays and Saturdays; it’ s also open Sundays from 8 a. m. when it offers a breakfast menu featuring such delicacies as French toast, breakfast burritos, avocado toast, and veggie scrambles.
A wide range of craft cocktails is also offered, including chocolate martinis and blood orange sangria, as well as“ crushsicles” served over crushed ice.
Why Crush? One rumor has it that co-owner Jim Klansman was paying tribute to a friend who repeatedly crushed golf shots. Another said it referenced what goes on at Prairie Highlands— the crushing of a golf ball, the crushing of grapes for wine, and the crushing of tomatoes for pizza.
Whatever, the new facility is crushing it.“ Incredible,” Price says of the response.“ It’ s become something of a hangout for members or non-members.” Several groups of non-playing ladies and a family were lunching during my most recent visit on a chilly spring day. As the focal point of a large and rapidly expanding residential area, members owning their own golf carts drive them right to the door.
“ From a neighborhood standpoint, we’ ve certainly been well received; they’ ve definitely embraced us,” says restaurant manager Scott Price. who previously worked at the Silo restaurant at Canyon Farms, Prairie Highland’ s sister course, both of which are managed by Spin Pizza.“ We’ re definitely a bar and grill offering the same service and relaxed environment, and a phenomenal view.”
Under the direction of Chef Jacob Gable, the menu features an extensive grill menu ranging from wings, Mexican taste pleasers,
A spectacular panoramic view of the greens or fairways of seven Prairie Highlands holes can be seen from Crush Grill’ s dining area or spacious outdoor deck.( Photo by Alan Hoskins)
Diners can enjoy stunning views of more than half a dozen greens and fairways from both the clubhouse and the deck. As part of the remodeling of the former clubhouse, the size of the golf shop was reduced and the dining area expanded by a glass-enclosed addition that increased seating to 166( and 88 on the popular deck).
Members also have use of a separate large indoor pavilion, which provides a chance to pick up food or drink between nines, socialize, and watch golf on large TVs. Plus, it is a perfect venue for special events.
12 June 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE