What are the best public golf courses in Rochester, NY?

I’m planning to hit the greens soon and I’m curious about which public golf courses in Rochester, NY really stand out. If any of you have played at some courses around here, I’d love to get your recommendations!

What I’m Looking For:

  • Course Quality: Well-maintained greens and fairways
  • Amenities: Clubhouse, driving range, practice greens, etc.
  • Pricing: Affordable green fees or any deals available
  • Accessibility: How easy is it to book tee times?
  • Overall Experience: What makes your favorite course a great place to play?

Potential Courses I’ve Heard About:

  • Durand Eastman Golf Course: I’ve heard good things about this one, especially about the views.
  • Irondequoit Country Club: Is it really as good as people say for public play?
  • Locust Hill Country Club: I know they host tournaments, but is it friendly to everyday golfers?

Any feedback you have, stories, or personal rankings would be super helpful as I want to ensure I choose a course that’s worth the time and money. Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide!

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I love playing at Durand Eastman Park Golf Course! The views are stunning and the course is well-maintained. Definitely a must-try!

Totally agree! Durand is one of my favorites too. Have you tried their twilight rates? Such a great deal!

I had a great experience at the Rochester Municipal Golf Course. It was reasonably priced and had a fun layout, perfect for a casual round with friends.

Nice! I’ve always been curious about that course. Does it get crowded on weekends?

Yes, it can get busy on weekends, but the course has a nice flow. I recommend going early in the morning. You might also want to check out Genesee Valley Park; the greens are pretty good there too!

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I’ve played there before! Some holes are challenging but it’s very enjoyable overall.

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For a more challenging course, definitely check out Blue Heron Hills Golf Club. It’s a little pricier but worth it for the scenery and layout!

I’ve heard great things about Blue Heron! But is it really that much better? I’m trying to stay on a budget.

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Consider trying the Twilight rates at Blue Heron as well, they help with the budget! I think you’d enjoy it.

I’ve also enjoyed the course at Irondequoit Country Club. Members are really welcoming to public players, and the atmosphere is fantastic.

Irondequoit is great! I played there last summer. The course conditions were immaculate. However, watch out for #10 – it’s a real toughie!

Haha, I almost lost my ball there! Overall though, it was such a fun day!

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I think we also need to give a shoutout to the 36-hole course at the Monroe Golf Club. It has a mix of challenging and beginner-friendly holes.

Monroe is definitely an underrated gem! You can spend a whole day there and not get bored.

Does anyone have tips on when to go? I’ve heard some courses are packed in summer. I’d prefer a quieter experience!

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If you want to avoid crowds, playing early in the morning or on weekdays is usually best. It really makes a difference!

If you’re looking for affordable options, the Rochester Public Golf Courses website has a great breakdown of green fees. For example, Highland Park is nice and typically costs around $30 for 18 holes on weekends.

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I totally agree! Don’t forget about membership options at places like Durand Eastman. They offer discounts for locals, which can really add up over time.

Great points! I recently learned that many courses also have twilight rates, which can save you money if you’re heading out in the late afternoon. Can anyone share experiences on which courses have the best twilight pricing?