Hillendale Golf Course
Hillendale Golf Course combines woodland character with gentle links-style elements in an approachable 18-hole layout near Ithaca. With well-maintained fairways, natural contours, and a relaxed atmosphere, it invites golfers of all abilities to enjoy a fair yet stimulating experience.
Course Overview
Hillendale Golf Course in Ithaca, New York, offers an engaging 18-hole layout that weaves through a landscape where woodland contours meet elements of a links-style design, creating a unique test for golfers seeking both challenge and enjoyment. With a par of 72 and yardage that plays slightly shorter than many traditional courses, Hillendale invites players of all skill levels to explore its approachable yet varied terrain. The course’s natural undulations and tree-lined fairways demand thoughtful shot placement, while the subtle bunkers and greens encourage precision in the short game.
Set just off Applegate Road, this public course displays a blend of maintained tee boxes and fairways that reflect attentive care, although some areas occasionally reveal seasonal wear, especially as leaves sweep across the greens outside of peak months. The gentle hills foster an inviting rhythm, allowing steady players to find scoring opportunities and more accomplished golfers to test their creativity. Walkers will appreciate the manageable elevation changes and fairly open pathways, though sturdy shoes are advised for stability on softer turf.
Hillendale accommodates visitors with a small on-site restaurant, praised by many for its friendly service and notably flavorful offerings, including a standout Buffalo wings recipe that echoes its roots in classic taste. The course’s relaxed atmosphere appeals to community members and travelers alike, balancing solid playability with an informal charm.
Carts are available and well-maintained, yet golfers who prefer a walking experience will feel comfortable navigating the layout with ease. The course’s woodland environment occasionally presents its share of seasonal challenges, such as the presence of insects and fallen debris, but its overall condition remains satisfactory for its price point and setting.
For those planning a trip, early spring through early fall offers the most consistent conditions. Hillendale Golf Course stands as a practical choice where players can reconnect with the fundamentals of the game in a setting that honors the land’s natural features without overwhelming complexity or pretension.
Course Highlights
Hillendale Golf Course blends woodland and links-style elements with naturally undulating terrain. The course challenges players to navigate tree-lined fairways and greens guarded by subtle bunkers. A modest but well-regarded clubhouse restaurant offers a relaxed setting for post-round meals. The course’s overall design emphasizes shot-making over sheer distance, fostering strategic play across varying skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Lexie Liu
Course is in very poor condition. Golf cart is old and dirty. You will be bothered by flies all the time. Didn’t even finish all the holes. Would rather pay a little more for a better experience.
patrick caveney
We recently held a baby shower in the pavilion at Hillendale. This is a spacious facility aesthetically pleasing which can be adapted to large or small groups (25 to 100+). Management is willing to work with a group to provide service from minimal to full food and beverage service. During the event the men were able to use the well maintained golf course while the women enjoyed the pavilion facility for the shower.
Ron Matthews
What a great golf course. The orginal 9 offers a challenge that can put you several stoke down but the back 9 allows some opportunities to get them back! Great overall condition from tee to green. A must play for anyone traveling in the area. While you may not find a tour stop here it's a great course to remember why you started playing golf! Very enjoyable!!! Food is pretty darn good too! Best classic Buffalo wings ever with or with out the sauce! Taste the same as they did in 1984! Mary and her staff do a great job & well worth the money! Highly recommend!
Stan Burun
Michael Greene
Challenging and picturesque
Jennifer Whitaker
Super nice course!
Ron Matthews
What a great golf course. The orginal 9 offers a challenge that can put you several stoke down but the back 9 allows some opportunities to get them back! Great overall condition from tee to green. A must play for anyone traveling in the area. While you may not find a tour stop here it's a great course to remember why you started playing golf! Very enjoyable!!! Food is pretty darn good too! Best classic Buffalo wings ever with or with out the sauce! Taste the same as they did in 1984! Mary and her staff do a great job & well worth the money! Highly recommend!
Ric W
Great coarse. Was there late in the season but coarse was in very good condition. Kind of a woodland links coarse. Many of the holes are built into the natural landscape. Carts are new, staff was very nice and helpful. There is a small restaurant but did not try.
William Chen
Really good course for the price. Back tee plays a little shorter than conventional courses but the undulating landscape poses a challenge for golfers of all level. Tee box and fairway are in good condition with the exception of a few that needs some work. Green is decent but can be filled with branches and leaves between seasons. Remember to fix your divots to make it a better experience for others. The course can be improved by adding water jugs on hot days and ball washing station when it’s muddy.
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Course Details
Access & Location
218 Applegate Rd N, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Hillendale Clubhouse and Grill
Walking is encouraged and manageable due to moderate elevation changes; sturdy footwear recommended.
Open to the public with no prior reservation required; tee times recommended on weekends.
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