Four Albany County Golf Holes Perfect for Your Inner Happy Gilmore

It’s been over 29 years since Happy Gilmore hit theaters for the first time, and on July 25, Happy Gilmore 2 will be available to stream on Netflix.

In the film’s trailer, Happy Gilmore — played by Adam Sandler — said, “I haven’t swung a club in years.” For those like Happy, dust off your golf bag, clean off your clubs, and head to your local golf course. Below is a list of holes on four of Albany County's municipal golf courses best suited for the "Happy Gilmore."

Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course

Hole 3 at Capital Hills in Albany is the most forgiving hole on this list. This par 4 is 357 yards from the white tees and has the slightest dogleg right, but it appears dead straight to the eye. There is plenty of room to miss right, for those who have a right-handed slice — you might just end up playing from the next hole. Unfortunately for lefties, if you have a slice, you have no dice. If Happy Gilmore were to wind up on this tee box, he’d sky the green, but we regular people can’t drive the ball 400 yards.

Western Turnpike Golf Course

On the blue portion of the course, if you told me the third hole was used in the filming of either of the Happy Gilmore movies, I’d believe you. This 474-yard par 5 has it all. The first 350-plus yards of this hole are relatively straightforward. The fairway is straight with a line of trees along the right side, but after that line of trees is a gorgeous house — that I’m certain the owners would like to keep free of golf balls. To add to the intrigue of this hole, there is water 375 yards straightaway from the tee box. It’s 450 yards from the tee to clear the water hazard. Happy Gilmore could potentially bomb it over the hazard from the tee, but everyone will have to lay up in front of the hazard. Just don’t hit the house.

Orchard Creek Golf Club

The third hole at this apple orchard turned golf course is a behemoth. From the white tees, this par 5 measures 470 yards with a dogleg right. There’s a large cluster of trees on the right side of the hole that ends after the dogleg. The fairway is split in two with a path at around 325 yards from the tee box. Those with enough guile to wind up the “Happy Gilmore” could likely clear the trees in the path, but the smart decision is to find the first half of the fairway and then wind up again to reach the green where you can whip out the hockey stick to sink a putt.

Town of Colonie Golf Course

The fifth hole at the Town of Colonie emulates the selected hole from Capital Hills, but it is only longer and more difficult. This par 4 measures 385 yards from the tee box and, just like the third hole at Capitol Hills, has a slight dogleg right. What sets this hole apart is that the fairway is wrapped by trees. There is no room for error when winding up for the “Happy Gilmore” for either right- or left-handed golfers. The hole is straightforward, but there is little room for a mis-hit.

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Author

Eli Cloutier

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