Best Public Golf Courses in Rochester, New York

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

Over the course of the past few months, we’ve written reviews about a number of different locales in the Northeast. 

As you might remember, my time is somewhat limited in this part of the country, but it’s a place I’d dearly love to get to soon.  And we’re just about in the sweet spot of fall when the leaves are changing and the mornings are crisp. 

Even though the golf season is nearing an end in the Northeast, our readers felt it was the perfect time to write a review of the best public courses in Rochester.  That’s because the limited time that’s left in this season is some of the best. Ask and you shall receive.  That’s my motto as long as our readers are willing to collaborate. 

And that they did.

If you’re looking for a picturesque and environmentally friendly golfing experience just minutes from downtown Rochester, New York, then Eagle Vale Golf Club is the place to be.

This premier daily fee facility is renowned for its immaculate condition, offering fast and true greens that provide a great playing experience. The club’s certification as an Audubon International Sanctuary ensures a beautiful and eco-friendly setting for golfers to enjoy.

At Eagle Vale Golf Club, you can expect a classic parkland layout with tree-lined fairways, creating a traditional and scenic golfing experience suitable for players of all skill levels. The course features elevation changes that add an extra dimension to your game, making it both challenging and enjoyable.

With its well-maintained course and excellent amenities, Eagle Vale Golf Club is sure to provide golfers with a top-notch experience. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, this public golf course in New York offers a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region while enjoying a round of golf.

Just minutes from the picturesque Eagle Vale Golf Club, Wildwood Country Club offers a complete golfing experience with its traditional and parkland layout.

The course is known for its stunning fall scenery, making it a perfect choice for a round of golf during the autumn months.

The narrow fairways and well-protected greens provide a challenging yet enjoyable game for golfers of all levels.

Additionally, recent improvements to the course have elevated the overall experience, ensuring that players have access to top-notch amenities and a restaurant for post-round drinks or an upscale dinner.

The Wildwood Country Club is a standout option in Monroe County, New York, boasting a classic design that harmonizes with the natural surroundings.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, the club’s commitment to providing an exceptional golfing experience makes it one of the best public courses in the region.

Nestled atop the highest point of land in Monroe County, Mill Creek Golf Club offers golfers stunning views of the Rochester skyline and the picturesque Finger Lakes. This public course provides an unparalleled golf experience with its open layout, constant wind, and slick, undulating greens.

The club’s excellent practice facilities and instruction academy make it an ideal destination for golfers looking to improve their game. Mill Creek Golf Club caters to players of all levels with multiple sets of tees, ensuring an enjoyable round for everyone. Its reputation is further underscored by being recognized by Golf Digest. The magazine has ranked this course as one of the best in the area, solidifying its status as a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Mill Creek Golf Club promises an exceptional golfing experience, complete with breathtaking views and challenging yet rewarding play.

Curious about where to find the best-conditioned golf course in Rochester, New York? Look no further than the challenging and immaculately maintained Chili Country Club. This local favorite since 1968 offers a golfing experience like no other in Western New York.

Here’s what makes Chili Country Club stand out:

1. Challenging Layout: Golfers can expect narrow fairways and small greens, demanding well-struck shots and strategic play to navigate the course effectively.
2. Immaculate Condition: The course’s exceptional maintenance ensures a top-tier golfing experience, with pristine fairways and greens that are meticulously cared for.
3. Environmental Commitment: Chili Country Club’s certified Audubon International Sanctuary status reflects its dedication to environmental conservation, providing golfers with a beautiful and sustainable setting for a round of great golf.

Chili Country Club is a must-visit for those seeking a challenging and well-maintained golf course in Rochester. With its outstanding condition and commitment to environmental stewardship, it’s no wonder why it’s a top choice among public courses and golf clubs in the area.

Located a short drive from Buffalo and Rochester, Arrowhead Golf Course is a premier facility in Western New York, offering golfers pure bent grass fairways, scenic tree-lined layouts, and affordable weekday prices that include a cart.

The course provides a traditional parkland layout, making it one of the best golf experiences in the Finger Lakes region. Arrowhead Golf Course is a test for golfers of all levels, with its well-placed bunkers and water hazards that require strategic play.

The course’s design incorporates risk and reward elements, providing golfers with various shot options and challenges throughout the round. With its pristine playing surfaces and picturesque surroundings, Arrowhead Golf Course offers a high-quality and enjoyable golfing experience.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through the area, this course is a must-play for those seeking the best golf Western New York has to offer. So, if you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding round of golf, Arrowhead Golf Course is the ideal destination.

Even though the Links at Woodcliff is only nine holes, it’s been one of the region’s favorite courses for more than 30 years. 

The course is surrounded by miles of wooded forests, so you’ll feel like you’re far removed from the city.  Fortunately, the first tee is just a short walk from the hotel and spa making access easy.

The layout features some significant elevation changes that make picking the right club important. 

Along with great golf, the hotel and spa make for a complete experience at Woodcliff.

The Charleston Pines Course at Lima Country Club opened for play in 1962.  It was designed by John S. Checho Sr. 

Even though the course is an older layout, it measures almost 7,000 from all the way back.  Fortunately, there are four other sets of tees to choose from.

The course meanders through a mature pine forest.  Narrow fairways move both left and right, so accuracy and precision from the tee are a must. 

A pleasant mix of both long and short holes afford ample opportunity for risk and reward.  Choose your spots carefully. 

A solid test for golfers of all abilities, Charleston Pines won’t disappoint.

John Checho Jr. was the mastermind behind the Island Oaks Course at Lima Country Club.

Opened in 1995, this track is significantly shorter than Charleston Pines.  It measures just 6,100 yards from the back tees.

What this course lacks in length though, it more than makes up for in character.  Rolling topography, water hazards, and undulating greens make Island Oaks both challenging and fun to play.

When you finish your round, be sure to save time for a bite in the Restaurant.  The menu is full of delectable options to satisfy any appetite.

A course doesn’t have to measure 8,000 yards to be fun and challenging.  That’s exactly the case at Buttonwood.

This 18-hole par three course doesn’t require a tee time.  Just show up and play. 

Holes range from 100-150 yards, so this is the perfect spot to work on your short irons and wedges. 

The atmosphere is relaxed.  Come as you are and enjoy yourself. 

Buttonwood is the perfect spot for families and beginners that don’t want the pressure of playing a full-length course and the trappings that come along.

Just a few miles from the city, you’ll find Webster Golf Club.  This course is set in the New York countryside.  The setting is beautiful.

Webster dates to 1959 and its age is reflected in the layout.  The fairways are tree lined and narrow.  The greens are small and undulating.  If you find yourself on the wrong side of the hole, you’ll be faced with some quick putts.

Over the years, this track has hosted numerous prestigious events like U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open qualifiers.  It’s a good test, even for the lowest of handicaps.

The facility also boasts a first-rate banquet facility complete with a wide array of food options to suit parties of any size.

One of the most underrated courses in the state, don’t miss out on Webster Golf Club.

Conclusion

The mornings are starting to have a hint of fall in the air in the Rochester area.  The leaves are beginning to change, and it won’t be long before fairways are covered in white instead of green.

With that being said, this just might be the best time of year to play golf in the Northeast.  Kids are back in school, and the courses are much less crowded than they are all summer.

If you find yourself in the Rochester area before the snow flies, be sure to bring your golf clubs.  There are plenty of quality options to choose from.

As always, the guide was made possible by the input from our loyal readers.  Thanks to all of you that contributed your thoughts.

If you have more you’d like to add about golf in Rochester, please let us know in the comments.