Pros 
Cons for Glowgolf: A Mixed Golf Fun and Frustration in Rochester
Gameplay & Atmosphere
Glowgolf, located inside The Mall at Greece Ridge in Rochester, NY, presents a somewhat mixed experience for miniature golf enthusiasts. The course itself boasts 27 holes, which players navigate twice, offering a decent length of play. Beyond the traditional mini golf experience, Glowgolf attempts to diversify its offerings, incorporating attractions like cornhole, pool, and a laser maze. One reviewer noted a fun, leisurely pace during a Saturday afternoon visit with a large group, but also pointed out the space could benefit from better air conditioning.
However, the atmosphere isn't consistently positive. There’s been a complaint regarding the music selection – while one patron didn’t mind explicit lyrics, others with young children might find it inappropriate. The space itself is described as "small" by one reviewer, which might contribute to potential issues with crowding, especially when combined with other patrons.
Customer Service Concerns
Customer service appears to be a recurring point of contention at Glowgolf. Numerous reviews emphasize negative interactions with staff. Several customers report feeling the employees were rude and lacking in interpersonal skills. This isn’t simply a matter of subjective opinion; experiences include dismissive responses to requests for rain checks ("We don't do that here") and difficulty reaching a manager to address concerns.
The most alarming account details a situation where staff were aware of disruptive behavior from another party (children running on the course) but were unwilling to intervene. Instead of offering a solution, like a voucher for a future visit, customers were left feeling ignored and frustrated. This unwillingness to address issues and provide satisfactory resolutions seems to be a consistent theme.
| Issue | Frequency of Mention | Reported Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of Rain Checks | Multiple | Request Denied |
| Unreachable Manager | Multiple | Issue Unresolved |
| Rude/Unhelpful Staff | Frequent | Negative Customer Experience |
| Disruptive Patrons | At least 1 | No Intervention by Staff |
Pricing & Perks (and Their Quirks)
Glowgolf aims to be an affordable entertainment option, with one reviewer specifically noting it is "not expensive." Plus, the establishment extends active military discounts, a welcome benefit. The establishment also features a promotional game offering a 'free game' for achieving a hole-in-one on a specific machine.
However, this perk feels… less than advertised. Instead of receiving a free game ticket as promised, some customers get a “buy one get one free” voucher. The staff explained this is because hole-in-ones are frequent, but one patron pointed out this rationale seems counterintuitive – it's still a prize earned. This discrepancy creates a feeling of being misled and impacts the overall value proposition.
Positive Experiences & Family Fun
Despite the criticisms, Glowgolf does manage to deliver enjoyable experiences for some. A reviewer shared a very positive experience, stating that their “kids had a great time and so did [their] wife and [they]” and expressed a desire to return. The course is generally considered family-friendly and “good for kids”, making it a potential destination for a casual outing.
Another visitor appreciated the extra games offered beyond mini golf. The convenience of its location within The Mall at Greece Ridge is also a benefit, allowing patrons to combine a round of golf with other mall activities. These positive experiences nonetheless exist alongside widespread reports of inconsistent service and operational issues.