Penn National Iron Forge Course
In
a continuous yaw of rolling hills on Route 997 in south eastern
Pennsylvania rests the open heather flanked fairways of the Iron
Forge golf course.
One of
two courses at Penn National, Iron Forge is a tribute to the
lands past as a mining community and is a classic
prototypical American rendition of Scottish style links courses.
Built in 1997 this Bill Love design twists throughout a wide valley
with spectacular views of the mountains. With distinct open
fairways lined with tall heather and a multitude of pot bunkers
strategically placed throughout the course the Iron Forge golf
course will test both a golfers accuracy and course management
skills.
 Amigos favorite Hole:
The hole we liked the most at the Iron Forge course was the
number 17 603-yard Par 5.
This extremely long, yet straight-forward par 5 starts with a blind
tee shot going up hill. Long off the tee with your first shot is key
because if unable to crest the hill about half way up the fairway
your second shot toward the green will be another blind shot.
If your accurate with a fairway wood and can hit a long tee shot
then this hole is definitely within birdie range. The slightly
elevated green has two small front bunkers that flank both sides;
each is in perfect position to gather any wayward shot approach.
Both Amigos were short with their drive and were forced to hit that
second blind fairway wood. With both approaches just off the green
we were able to chip nicely but ended up bogeying the hole.
Review Date:
08/03/2002
Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)
Tees:
In perfect shape, variable staggering of the tees make for extreme differences in the feel and play of the course. The long tee boxes give great flexibility in moving the tee makers around to keep ware of the tee area to minimum.
Fairways:
Superb in both feel and look with rolling depths and a wide variety of lies each fairway offers a different challenge and keeps you guessing.
Rough:
In good shape but a bit dry. Like most courses during a dry season the rough takes most of the brunt. The management of the course is doing an excellent job with keeping carts out of the rough to aid in keeping the rough in better playing shape.
Traps:
Best maintained traps I have seen all year. Great detail is given to the look and depth of sand in both the fairway and bunkers around the green. Placement and positioning is superb and adds to the design of the course.
Greens:
The Greens are in perfect shape! Both the speed and feel will challenge and reward. No signs of blemishes in these small narrow greens that are designed in classic Scottish links fashion.
Amenities:
This clubhouse has all the extras along with a full service restaurant. Diving range is free of charge and included in your greens fees.
Staff Services:
The starter was very informative and the rest of the staff was extremely helpful. We only saw the beverage cart twice during our entire round and on a hot muggy day keeping fluids in you are essential to a good game.
Pace of Play:
There was little wait between holes and no noticeable push from the group behind. The marshal does a good job with monitoring and assisting to keep the pace of play consistent.
Overall Average:
4.46, Birdie Course
Nice Course, to play recommendation
The GolfinAmigos would like to thank Ms. Laura Nicklas the Director of Marketing for Penn National for allowing us to visit and review the course.
CLICK HERE for additional course information...
Location:
13720 Clubhouse Drive, Fayetteville PA 17222
Tee Time Phone:
800-221-7366
Course Type:
Resort
*The opinions expressed in this course review are those of the individual reviewer(s) and do not reflect the editorial opinion of
www.GolfinAmigos.com
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