Pros 
Cons A Glowing Reputation…or a Dim Outlook?
Glowgolf in Rochester, NY, aims to provide a fun, illuminated miniature golf experience. However, recent customer feedback paints a mixed picture, with a current rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars. Several reviews highlight significant issues beyond just the gameplay itself, impacting the overall impression of this entertainment venue. While some patrons enjoyed a quiet visit, a concerning trend of negative experiences related to both customer service and – most troublingly – employee treatment is emerging. The course, located at 740 Miracle Mile Dr Space F-15, is advertised as offering 54 holes, but multiple reviews clarify this simply means playing the same course three times.
Here's a breakdown of common themes:
- Pricing & Value: Customers consistently describe Glowgolf as overpriced for what is offered. Playing the same course repeatedly, despite the “54 holes” advertisement, feels deceptive to some.
- Crowds & Pace of Play: Busy periods can become extremely frustrating. Several reviewers mention being rushed by other players, and feeling pressured to skip holes. This is a particular issue for families with younger children who naturally take more time.
- Course Condition & Lighting: The "glow" aspect, central to the venue’s name, doesn't appear to live up to expectations. Many noted that the lighting isn’t very effective, and the glow tubes intended to illuminate the golf balls were frequently broken, making it difficult to even locate the ball. The course itself is also described as needing repairs and feeling cramped.
- Accessibility: No information regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities is readily available.
Employee Treatment: A Shadow Over the Greens
The most disturbing and consistent feedback revolves around allegations of incredibly poor treatment of employees. Multiple reviews detail the recent termination of a staff member who had to undergo emergency surgery shortly after a tragic personal loss – the loss of her baby. The reasoning given for her firing was a “no-call, no-show.”
This has sparked widespread outrage, with reviewers vowing to boycott the business. Numerous comments express shock and disbelief at the perceived lack of empathy and compassion.
"Fired a women for being in surgery after she lost her child…. I can promise you guys this y’all wont get a cent from me after reading that story i hope yall get more bad reviews"
"Do NOT support this business! They fired a girl for having surgery to remove her baby that passed away inside of her. Don’t support a business that doesn’t care about their employees that just went through something difficult"
These statements suggest a deeply concerning company culture, leading many to question whether such an organization prioritizes profits over the well-being of its workers. The severity of these claims is having a demonstrably negative impact on Glowgolf’s reputation. Phone number for Glowgolf is (585) 475-0247.
Glimmers of Positivity: When Glowgolf Shines
Despite the prevalent negativity, a few reviewers reported positive experiences. These positive accounts largely coincide with visits during off-peak hours.
One customer enjoyed a visit with their mother on a weekday evening when they essentially had the course to themselves. They praised the friendliness of a staff member, Monica, and stated the course offered a good balance of challenging and easier holes.
Another visitor appreciated the upbeat music and engaging lighting, finding the miniature golf to be “fun” and stating they’d return. A parent shared that their daughter “had a blast,” though acknowledged a broken glow tube as a minor inconvenience.
| Positive Feedback Points | Frequency (Based on reviews) |
|---|---|
| Friendly Staff | 2 mentions |
| Enjoyable Music/Atmosphere | 2 mentions |
| Challenging Course Design | 1 mention |
| Quiet Visit (Off-Peak Hours) | 2 mentions |
These experiences suggest that Glowgolf can be enjoyable under the right circumstances—specifically, when not overcrowded and with functioning equipment.
Customer Service Concerns and Operational Issues
Beyond the employee treatment controversy, several reviews point to lackluster customer service and operational problems. At least one reviewer reported encountering a disengaged employee with headphones in who was unresponsive to questions.
Another customer highlighted the poor condition of the glow tubes, with both tubes for the glowing golf balls being broken during their visit. This rendered the balls nearly invisible on the course.
Furthermore, the layout of the course appears to be a major drawback. The close proximity of the holes creates congestion and limits the ability to comfortably play, especially when other groups are present. The repeated play-through of the same course after claiming 54 holes is a disappointment to patrons, and considered misleading marketing. Essentially, they are selling a single 18-hole course, played three times, which many feel isn’t justifiable given the price point.
It appears Glowgolf needs to address these core issues: improving staff training and engagement, maintaining equipment, reconsidering course layout, and providing greater transparency regarding its “54-hole” offering.