Hillandale Golf Course — Attraction in Durham

I was a first time visitor. Really pleasant and helpful experience.

I had only planned to go to the driving range. So, I didn't play the course.

Golf Shop/Pro Shop : There were two older gentlemen behind the desk. These guys were really nice and super helpful. Made me feel very welcome. Especially being a first time visitor. They even offered to squeeze me in for a round of golf, but I had to decline to due my other plans.

The Shop looked very stocked with all your golfing needs. There is a snack bar/ beverage service on the backside of the building, nice touch. 👍

The range balls were $8 small bucket, $12 for medium. Don't remember what the large cost. Medium was enough for a good practice session.

The range balls are yellow in color and looked brand new.

The driving range was a little beat up. The ground was hard when placing your tee in the ground. May be time for aerating the driving range. Ground was compacted pretty hard. Could be why the grass was thin and not taking very well.

Not many people on the range especially for a weekend. The range lacked adequate distance markers and no guide as to the distance to one of two flags that were out there. I didn't see a practice bunker area nor a short game practice area. I may be wrong or may have missed it. I will have to ask next time I go.

Overall range was okay, needs better markers with distances. I will check out the course next time. Adding some bag stands would be a nice touch.

Rated high because of the 2 friendly guys at the golf shop. Really genuine and down to earth guys.

See you in the near future. Thanks for the friendly service! Much appreciated!!!

UPDATE: The driving range now use hitting mats. Still same old range markers, those still have not...

Disclaimer - It was the day after a downpour and it rained during the round. I only got through 15 holes before the sky opened, but had 2 birdies on the day. On to the course review, as I've played here a few times already.

Tee Boxes 4/5 - No real issues, even on par 3s.

Fairways 3.5/5 - Pros, there is grass. Cons, the grass isn't as uniform to give it a higher score. It holds water even with slight rain so playing when wet is a no go.

Greens 4/5 - There are no issues other than how they hold water in low spots. When dry, they run well and true with no big bare spots to speak of. The undulations test your line and speed control.

Bunkers 2/5 - Holds water for a while after rain and isn't fluffy even when dry. Rather heavy stuff to get through.

Amenities 4/5 - Mats only driving range, large putting green, pitching area without green across the road. No practice bunker.

Layout 4/5 - Seldom do you come across courses that have multiple greens on holes, much less two holes that do so. Though in my time playing, I've only ever played to the greens on the left. There are a mix of forced layups and blind doglegs that make positioning important, especially taking into account what you need for your approach in.

Overall, for the price it is a great play. I like coming out every so often and will...

This is the course I played when learning the game and highly recommend it. I've read a number of reviews where people were disappointed by course conditions at Hillandale and it always irks me. If you're paying between $20-35 in greens fees, you shouldn't expect country club conditions. In my opinion, Hillandale is one of a coupe courses in the entire area competing for the best value.

In the past few years the management has done an excellent job caring for and improving the facilities. A number of the cart paths are currently being replaced/repaved. Bermuda greens were installed a few years back, and if you catch them at the right time of year (late spring or early summer) or after freshly mowed, they are slippery and roll true. Also, though there are sporadic spots where the grass struggles, the tee boxes and fairways are consistent and well maintained. The practice facilities and bigger than other comparable courses, with a generously sized driving range, large practice green next to the first tee box, and a separate chipping/pitching pirating space.

In addition, one of the best parts of plating at Hillandale is their staff. I have always found them to be amazingly welcoming and very helpful.

If you haven't played here, especially if you live in...