A revelation, perhaps: Some of my friends are not perfect. Like me (and most humans when they’re honest about it), they show flaws; moments of glory and flashes of not so great. I think it makes them all the more interesting.

I may feel the same way about golf courses. Of course playing an absolutely pristine course with every advantage one could want is more than embraceable – like I said, I’m human. But there’s beauty, too, in a course that’s trying. In a course that has great bones, a decent look overall and tries to be their best.

In that spirit, consider a round at Pembroke Country Club (https://www.pembrokegolf.com). I headed there for 18 recently, knowing they’d faced hard times in the semi-recent past (foreclosed and run-down circa 2008; working its way back since).

What I found was the course layout set into place by designer Philip A. Wogan back in 1973 and recognized then as one of the best course layouts around still provides the base and challenge that makes a golf day great.

Were there flaws? Sure. The greens could use some love (though for me, more cosmetic than playability; they rolled pretty well all day even in this early season when many greens are a bit jumpy). The course-side food service is minimal, and while the fairways are for the most part lush, they could use some TLC here and there.

But the round, from the affordability to the setting to the challenge, makes Pembroke Country Club worth playing.

We chose to walk. While the course is plenty long – a championship par 71 measuring 6,677 from the blue tees – it’s flatter than most and with its tall pines and mature plantings, offers plenty of shady spots as you go along.

What’s best is this: The smart layout demands the best of all golfers. Between the narrow fairways tossed in from time to time to the water hazards (plenty of them, for sure) and the semi-frequent dog legs, you’ll find you’ll need every club in your bag (or in my case, a few yet in that bag. The round helped me focus on what clubs I need next; a nice bonus).

For me, a forward tee player, something special played into my day. Forward tees are there for a reason, but sometimes, they can be a tiny bit too forgiving. At Pembroke, I found them to be helpful and placed in spots that did even up play with our group. But I also found they were placed in ways that made me think, plan and yes, even sweat it out a little.

I think that’s a good thing. On one water hazard hold, my fellow white tee players had to be sure to err to the right to avoid going over the drink. Up at the reds, I was set up to hit right over that pond; a unique choice for a forward tee, but one I salute. After all, nudging the learner to take risks is a good thing.

They gave me potential ego boosts too. The par 5 13th hole is wildly demanding of the big hitters; a crazy dog leg and a ton of distance is demanded. But for me, 200 yards up and facing the green from “just” 385 yards out, I could just feel my chance for a strong par or, some day, even a birdie.

You start right out with big swings; the first hole is a straight, open and long Par 5, a nice chance to stretch out and get a feel. There were plenty more long holes and of course, a few fun Par 3s peppered in – though none were an easy up and down. As Wogan planned, every hold demands though, skill and maybe even a bit of courage.

The setting is lovely. Super tall pines line fairways, allowing the sun to glimmer through and catch the many water features throughout. On some holes, simple smooth boulders stand in for seating in the shade; here and there you’ll find benches of hewn logs.

A public course, I was anticipating coming across hacks. But – almost mirroring the lovely vibe of the course staff – I found players to be well-dressed, polite and if not up to speed on rules, wanting to be. One young man hit onto my fairway and stepped over in front of me to hit. I stepped back, let him hit and then explained the rules. Rather than growl, he thanked me. “Next time I’ll know!” Was his response. Lovely.

Pembroke Country Club could use some tweaks. Water on the course would be a start (be sure to pack a water bottle and refill at the turn). I was disappointed to be told they’ve paused their full food service for now. But there are basics like hot dogs and a full bar (and the patio dining is a great spot to watch folks come in on the challenging par 4 18th).

But here’s something extra lovely about it all: the price. You can walk 18 on a weekday for just $49 or ride for $64; on weekends you can walk or ride after 2 p.m. for $79; they offer specials regularly as well.

A day of beauty, challenge and fun all for a decent price, on a course that’s designed to make you think in the best of ways. Feels like good golf to me.