The Willows Golf Lounge Builds a Community-First Indoor Golf Experience with WSFS Bank

Step inside The Willows Golf Lounge and you’ll be welcomed into a space with every inch carefully thought out. From the avid golfer to someone just starting out, owner and founder, Mike Nickels, has a goal in mind for people who first step into his Malvern, PA business.

“This is a place where every golfer feels at home,” says Nickels of the space he calls the clubhouse. “When we designed this space, we were really thinking about an environment where you would want others to be together.”

Filled with state-of-the-art technology and simulators that bring some of the best-in-class courses to you, his vision has been with him from the start. When Nickels gave Angel Rosario, his WSFS Bank relationship manager, his business plan, the concepts were nearly identical to what you’ll see today.

“Mike knew exactly what he wanted to do and how he wanted to do it,” Rosario, VP, SBA Relationship Manager, recalled.

After Inside
The Willows Golf Lounge
in Malvern, PA.

Before Rendering from
Mike Nickels’
business plan.

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Nickles’ mission shows up in the design and the details, and local partnerships complete the clubhouse feel. From nearby restaurants where you can order food and drinks directly to your golf bay to a commitment to giving back.

“Nonprofit organizations within the Main Line community are very near and dear to our hearts,” said Nickels who partners with organizations supporting veterans and people with cancer. “The business is very mission driven.”

As a new business owner, Nickels’ background spans hospitality, real estate, and sales, but the common thread has always been people.  Through golf, he’s achieving his long-term goal of helping others by hosting events that give back to the community.

In return, he says, the community’s response has affirmed his leap into entrepreneurship with an “overwhelmingly positive” welcome.

To bring The Willows to life, Nickels looked for a financial partner that was an expert in small business financing. And after an initial meeting with Gloria Rowan, Retail Officer Manger, at his nearby banking office, he was confident that WSFS could offer both his financing and be a trusted advisor as he took an important step toward opening the clubhouse.

“What I appreciated most is the level of expertise, the responsiveness, and the confidence that I was given to continue on my path,” said Nickels of his decision to bank with WSFS.

Rosario, who has decades of experience in helping Clients achieve their dreams, sees the work as deeply personal.

“I understand Mike is putting a lot on the line to open his business: his own money and time with his family. I take that very seriously.” said Rosario. “We are changing somebody’s life the moment they sign those closing documents, whether that’s creating generational wealth for their family or jobs in the community, and I take a lot of pride in that.”

Rosario points to Nickels preparation and partnership as keys to a smooth SBA process.  For any future business owners, he recommends focusing on the research and fully understanding the businesses. From there, WSFS serves as the expert in guiding you through the process and connecting you with the people who can help along the way.

“I make sure our Clients can sleep at night, and that they’re going to be successful,” said Rosario of the loan process. “At WSFS our business banking team works together to do whatever the Client needs accomplished. Not only do we have experienced SBA and Business Banking Relationship Managers, but we also have an experienced back office that can help facilitate the closing, onboarding, and portfolio management of the loan.”

From Rosario’s vantage point, The Willows is doing a lot right, especially when it comes to getting the word out about his new business.

The Willows offers specialty programming that allows for networking and brings people in who may be otherwise uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the game. They host youth camps and clinics, specialty leagues, and ladies’ nights with yoga and golf lessons.

“We’re welcoming to the public and offer a membership component that will fit anybody’s game,” said Nickels.

He’s also aimed at challenging the idea that indoor golf is seasonal and focused on a year-round model that offers an opportunity to practice alone when it’s raining, be together with family, or come when its dark outside with a membership that allows access to the clubhouse from 5 a.m. until midnight.

As an avid golfer himself, Nickels’ own passion for the game encouraged him to invest in the new community space.

“Someone once told me, ‘Find something you love, and if you can do that for your job, you’ll be happy in life,’” said Nickels of his decision to open The Willows.

Now with a business that’s been open since the beginning of 2026, his advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is similar.

“If there’s a burning fire inside of you, start today. Be confident in yourself.” said Nickels. “You have to trust that the team that you’ve built around you is driving forward with you. I feel like I have that with WSFS Bank in my corner.”

The Willows is offering an unlimited summer membership from May until August 2026. You can go to the club any time between 5 a.m. and midnight with three guests. It also includes discounts on beverages and retail. Visit thewillowsgolflounge.com/membership for more information.

Whether you are well into your business journey or just beginning, the right business banking partner offers the confidence and flexibility to grow with purpose. Our team of trusted advisors offers relationship-driven lending and working capital solutions tailored to your unique vision.