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February 2024 by Elmer Nahum
The course has some good bones. But over the years, the course has deteriorated overall. The greens are faster and firmer than when the course first opened. Whether that is good or bad is debatable. Maintaining such firm and fast greens slows play and increases costs where upkeep might be needed elsewhere. It also eliminates some pin positions. Player himself designed the slope of the greens for green speeds that were slower and more accepting of shots than they are now.The deep rough is now completely unplayable, with a lost ball being the usual result. They have let this junk creep in closer in several areas. You can see the difference in the rough in the two photos. Note how, behind the green, they now need to mow a path so you don't get eaten alive by the weeds. There are places when you are in a bunker and can't take a back swing because the weeds are so high behind it. The club should look at old photos of the course to see how much the weeds have taken over. (Update: the grounds crew has recently sprayed the deep rough with herbicide using a drone flying several feet above the ground, and the weeds have significantly decreased. Perhaps some negative comments finally provided the impetus.)When Gary Player designed the course, he commented on how it looked so natural in a wooded landscape and like it was always there. I would think he would be appalled by the number of trees removed. Not every course needs to look like Oakmont. Oakmont started out without trees, this isn't the case for Diamond Run. The trees framed the holes at Diamond Run. They weren't boringly lined parallel to the fairways, but they were placed in strategic positions to challenge the tee and approach shots. Now, just bomb it—as long as you don't hit it in the weeds. Sure, some trees have died (like the ash trees), some trees blocked air circulation near green complexes and tees, and in some cases, sight lines have improved, but overall, in my opinion, the tree removal campaign should not have applied to this course.For the amount they charge per month (about $800 for an individual membership), one would expect much more.The bunkers are thin with sand in many spots and although they have liners, they are starting to drain poorly. Word has it that there are plans to improve the bunkers.The cart paths have needed upgrading for years. They did purchase new carts recently. I guess that profits get soaked up by ClubCorp/Invited, leaving little except for the basics—just a little more than an average muni. I remember showing friends the course several years ago and getting oohs and ahhs. Now, very few seem impressed. Employee turnover has always been high ever since ClubCorp took over. Again, corporate greed over treating their employees well.The range has always been awkward, being so elevated that shots less than about 125 yards can't be seen as they land. The chipping area and bunker for practice are fair for a private club. There is an area in front of the range that could be used for longer pitches, but it hasn't been developed yet.Most good courses should mature and improve over time. I doubt anyone who has played here for a while could say that.
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February 2024 by Craig Upton
Gorgeous place with a great staff. If you get a chance to play, do it! Watch out for #18!
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December 2023 by Ryan Drzewiecki
When I joined in 2020 it was fantastic with a great golf course and very reasonably priced. With a turnover in management and now about double the price, there has been a lack of urgency and transparency on deferred maintenance around the property. For the price, I would expect a full country club experience, not just a golf course. The greens are really well kept and always lightning fast which is what keeps this from being a one star review. When the 20 year old cart paths that are more stone, potholes and puddles than actual asphalt are repaved, the bunkers are rebuilt and brought up to a playable condition, and we get new carts that can make it through 18 holes without squeaking or breaking down, I will come back and revise my review to reflect the conditions .Update: new carts with GPS are basic, but a much needed improvement from the old ones. The overgrown weeds/fescue has finally been sprayed for the first time in years and if maintained could be a big improvement. As of the end of 2023, still no cart path or bunker renovations. Other than 2 sinkholes being repaired, no other drainage issues have been resolved. Sad to watch a once great course deteriorate.
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November 2023 by Brandon McLean
Great private course in the Pittsburgh area. Challenging but still gives you the chance to score well.
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November 2023 by Thom Roberts
Very good golf course. Management poor.
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October 2023 by Matt Gates
I play here once a year at a golf outing. The course is always in great condition. It's enjoyable to play, and I look forward to playing here each time I go.
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October 2023 by Dennis
Best course in Pa.
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September 2023 by James Moriarity
Too hilly and cart paths desperately need replaced.
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September 2023 by George Batch Jr
Awesome amazing course, very challenging but worth the money. Can't wait to come back to Pa to play it again. Staff outstanding. Great all around day.
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August 2023 by Stephen Junker
Terrific conditions, especially for early spring. Friendly staff, and the membership with very nice as well.Update: Course conditions have been maintained spectacularly throughout the summer and the greens are firm and fast.
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August 2023 by Chris Tomea
Such a great weekend people watching and cheering on the golfers during the Women’s Club Championship!!!
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June 2023 by Bill Dewey
I’ve been a member for more than 20 years and I believe the course layout is among the best in the area. However, the senior management has tuned this into a second (or third) rate golf club for 1st rate prices.Budgets have been cut to the point that proper course maintenance is not up to private club standards. The tees, fairways and rough are in rough condition. The bunkers are in dire need of more sand and the cart paths are best described as a series of pot holes. The members are treated with little consideration or respect by the managers.Quality of the food is mediocre at best and the prices are in line with the best fine dining in the area.I would suggest if your looking for a private club you look elsewhere at least until the next round of management changes.BTW If I had written a review 3-4 years ago I would have given the club 5 stars, but not today.Update - May 25, 2023. Almost 50% of the membership has resigned and many are on waiting lists to join other clubs. Many of the key employees have quit as well. Not getting any better - Cart paths are worse and the bunkers are like hitting off of a cart path. GM promissed carts, bunkers, cart path paving for 2023 - latest is they will try to get to 10% of paths late this year and the bunkers may be done someday. After a 60% dues increase I expected better but the dissapointments just keep on coming. There a a number of public and semi private courses in the area that are superior.
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March 2023 by william “Pghbill” Monticue
Greens were a little rough.
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March 2023 by Rev. Matthew J. Fontana
I'm enjoying a great cod dinner right now as we speak. ??
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March 2023 by Matthew Woods
Great CourseWell keptWonderful time
