The family friendly city of Rochester, New York, has many things going for itself. Even if it’s a 200,000+ residents city and part of a metro with over one million people that provides plenty of opportunities for jobs, education, and entertainment, Rochester still maintains its small-town vibe and has a tight-knit community. In other words, it’s a great place to raise a family or to retire.
There’s another appealing particularity of Rochester – the city is a veritable golfing bonanza. There are 12 golf courses in Rochester, and no less than another 50 courses within 20 miles of the city, so golf enthusiasts have plenty of places where they can indulge in their favorite sport. Here are just some of Rochester’s golf courses you should check out if you’re new to the area or new to golfing:
Genesee Valley offers to the public two 18-hole golf courses that allow players with various degrees of ability to practice the relaxing sport. The club’s North Course is one of the oldest in the country, while its South Course, which was built shortly after, is ideal for players that are not as experienced yet. Genesee Valley is a municipal course located only about four miles from downtown Rochester, making it both affordable and easily accessible.
The golf course at the Country Club of Rochester offers a high level of playability for golfers with all skill levels. Also, if you want to improve your game, the club also offers lessons and guidance on the course. Getting here should not be an issue, as the club is a mere five miles from the city’s downtown area.
This club, located along the shores of Lake Ontario, offers a PGA maintained 18-holes course open to the public – and its location also ensures a gorgeous backdrop for golfers. The club, and its course, are located about eight miles from downtown Rochester.
Here’s how to care for your golfing equipment
Now that you know there are plenty of golf courses in and around Rochester, you should also learn more about caring for your golfing equipment. Here are the most important things you should do to make sure that your equipment is always ready for a nice round of golf:
1. Store your clubs properly
It’s important to keep your golf clubs indoors as much as possible. Keeping them in the trunk of your car is not a good idea, as the excessive heat that accumulates there in the summer will end up damaging your expensive golfing gear. Also, driving around with the clubs in the trunk will lead to scratches, nicks, and dents.
If you always want to be prepared for a round of golf, the best idea is to rent a small self storage unit located close to your favorite golf course. A 5×5 locker is exactly what you need to keep your golf clubs and other golfing equipment – you’ll have everything on hand when you need it, and all your expensive clubs and equipment will benefit of the best conditions.
2. Dry off your golf equipment after using it
Always make sure that your golfing equipment is perfectly dry before storing it. A rainy day, or morning due will cause your clubs to get wet, which can lead to rusting on the shaft. It’s a good idea to keep a towel on hand to wipe down your grips and club heads regularly during wet days, and also for a thorough drying off after you finish using them for the day.
3. Use head covers on your clubs
The heads of your golf clubs can be easily damaged during transportation or when taking them out or putting them back in the golf bag. It’s recommended that you get special headcovers that will protect them from scratches or dents.
4. Clean the clubs regularly
Golf clubs end up with dirt and grass all over them after each golf round. Wiping them off during and after the round is very important – but it’s not enough. You should also clean them thoroughly after several uses. Warm water and some dish soap are all you need – submerge the club heads in just enough water to avoid getting the ferrules wet and let them soak for a few minutes. Then use a washcloth or a soft brush to remove all the dirt. Rinse and dry them. Make sure you also wash the grips with some soapy water, followed by rinsing and drying off.
5. Use the golf bag properly
Purchase a club bag that has enough dividers and compartments to allow you to safely store your clubs. Also, it’s important that you put them back in their dedicated compartments after each use in your golf round, as dumping them in the bag increases wear and tear and can even cause bends, scratches and nicks.
Best places to store your golf equipment in Rochester, NY
The monthly street rate for a small 5×5 storage unit in the Rochester area stands at around $58. To help you find the best storage facility for your needs, here are some of the best in the area:
This facility has 24-hour access, which makes it easy for you to pick up and drop off your golf clubs – or other items you might be storing – easily and at your convenience. The price for a 5×5 unit starts at $50. Should you need larger units, there’s a wide selection of available sizes, including 10×10 or 10×20.
This Public Storage facility offers climate-controlled units, ensuring the ideal environment for your golf clubs throughout the year. There’s also 24-hour access and an onsite manager to provide assistance, should you need it.
This facility has a variety of small unit sizes, including 5×4 and 5×9 and bigger, so you’re bound to find the right one for your needs. You can choose between climate-controlled or regular units, and the facility is fitted with security cameras, ensuring that your belongings are well protected.
Happy golfing!