Square the putter face, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Hillcrest Golf Course
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
14
14 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
87
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
5
3 days , 4 days , 6 days , 7 days , 9 days
Hillcrest Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Hillcrest, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Hillcrest
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting Aid: Alignment Sticks, Ball Gate, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a row from in between two alignment sticks and through the ball gate.
Bump-n-Run | Perpendicular Piles | Multiple Targets
Align a bucket of balls next to the green (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 10 equal perpendicular piles of 4 balls and stop bump-n-run shots close to multiple targets. Count the number of successes.
Long irons (4,3,2) | L-R and R-L 9 Targets
Hit 5 balls to each randomly selected target while producing left-to-right and right-to-left shots, using long irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Sand | Scattered Ball Lines | Multiple Targets
Scatter a bucket of balls in the sand (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 8 equal lines of 5 balls and stop sand shots close to multiple targets. Count the number of successes.
Sand | Parallel Ball Lines | 3 Landing Zones
Align a bucket of balls in the sand (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 parallel lines 20 balls per line and hit-and-land sand shots inside landing zones. Count the number of successes.
Sand | Parallel Piles | 9 Stop Zones
Align a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) in the sand into 10 equal parallel piles of 4 balls and stop sand shots inside 9 Stop Zones. Count the number of successful stops.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Hillcrest.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
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Facilities
Location
3428 Giffords Church Road
Course Description
Hillcrest Golf Course is a 9-hole, 36-par golf course built in 1961 by the Palazini family, located on over 50 acres in Duanesburg, New York. It is open to the public with no tee times, operating seven days a week from dawn to dusk, weather permitting. The course features ponds and a scenic view toward Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, and includes a driving range and putting green. The clubhouse originates from a former one-room schoolhouse, and the course hosts golf leagues and fundraising outings with opportunities for discounted greens fees.
nine-hole golf • duanesburg ny golf • par 36 golf • public golf course • driving range • putting green • golf leagues • fundraiser golf • golf outings • historic clubhouse • albany schenectady troy view • ponds golf course • scenic golf course • open to the public • no tee times • hillcrest golf course • golf course duanesburg • new york golf course
Course Information
Holes
9
Par
37
Type
Parkland
Architect
Angelo Palazini
Opened
1931
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Hillcrest Golf Course Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Hillcrest
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 14 Programs
% match to course practice profilePrioritize short putts, for a 5-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Vary landing spot, for a 31-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Pinpoint accuracy, for a 29-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
16 Week Flagship Program for Hillcrest
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Hillcrest. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 16 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Reduce Short Misses Through Alignment
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 12.0
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Make Every Putt Count Accurately
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 4.0
Short Game · Chip
Stop Ball on Dime
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 31.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Thread the gap: precision Bump'n'Runs to a tight pin
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 29.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Master the art of touch: no more long comeback putts
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 27.0
Short Game · Sand
Can you fly it out and stop it close?
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 19.0
Driving Range · Driver
Control Driver Ball Flight
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Reach the green: consistent length with hybrids and woods
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 11.0
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Green hunter: hit every long iron to the putting surface
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 0.0
Hit fairways consistently, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Control woods rollout, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Control rollout, for a 28-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Pick spot and trust, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedAim for soft landing, for a 19-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short game from tough lies, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Precision wedges, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Advanced accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Maximize in regulation, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Avoid bunkers with long irons, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at Hillcrest
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcrest
Get answers to common questions about playing Hillcrest and what to expect.
How difficult is Hillcrest for mid-handicap golfers?
Hillcrest presents a demanding test. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 37.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Hillcrest?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Hillcrest?
With a course rating of 70 and par 37, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 37 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Hillcrest and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
What type of course is Hillcrest and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Hillcrest strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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Same Architect
Courses by Angelo Palazini
Explore other courses designed by Angelo Palazini. These courses share similar design philosophies and architectural features.
Hillcrest
Hillcrest Golf Course
Duanesburg, New York

