Irwin Country Club, Irwin, PA

This course is within a few miles of my home. In no way should you consider this a country club. This is a below average public course. I go to work on my game occasionally and I am always disappointed in some way with my experience.

The golf course layout isn't terrible. Some of the hilly terrain is a nice challenge.... even though I'm sure it's not intentional.
The scenery is acceptable with woods around the whole course. The holes are average at best and not going to capture your eye with picturesque beauty.
The fairways are not much of an advantage over the rough most of the time. They are poorly maintained. The course has many areas where there is gravel inexplicably running through the fairways as drainage; and ineffectively. On that note, there are random areas that are just not maintained... making approach shots for the non-member frustrating. Chunked up sod in front of greens, the aforementioned gravel and areas that they just don't care enough to drain can be a challenge if not downright infuriating.
The greens are rarely in good shape. They don't maintain them throughout the day which makes it nearly impossible to putt with any touch... most of the year. They are often covered in pine needles or branches. This could be easily taken care of if the owner cared at all about playability or profit. A lack of accurate and visible yardage makers is disappointing, but once you know the course you learn how to use them... if you can see them.
No carts after 6PM in the summer... ???. Also the carts are often in terrible shape. It's also as expensive as the better courses in the area.
Don't expect to be greeted with open arms or appreciated because it feels like they are doing you a favor by letting you golf there. I've been in the presence of the owner and found him belittling and abrasive. I walk the other way if I ever see him. I'm not sure they even care to make a profit, because they aren't doing anything to enhance the course or build a membership base. They seem to be satisfied with the membership base they have, but don't seem to care to maintain the course year-to-year to show appreciation. The members I know and have met are all great people. They are mostly local older people that have golfed there all of their lives and are tolerant out of nostalgia and proximity.

In summation, if you live close, can deal with not being appreciated and don't mind playing on a course that is minimally maintained you may like Irwin Country Club. If you are willing to travel a few more miles visit Madison Club, it is ten times the golf course that Irwin Country Club is at the same price. You'll also walk away feeling like you were appreciated and got your return on greens fee investment. I'm interested in hearing others review their experiences here. I think my review, as harsh as it may sound, is actually more positive than I feel after a round at Irwin Country Club. I miss Carradam.