Durand Eastman Golf Course

Durand Eastman Golf Course sits within Durand Eastman Park on the northeastern edge of Rochester, occupying land between Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the course in 1955 during his prolific mid-century period when he was reshaping American public golf. The property is part of a larger municipal park system that includes beaches, trails, and natural areas, making it one of the more scenic public facilities in the Rochester region. The routing takes advantage of the park's rolling, wooded terrain, with fairways carved through mature hardwoods and elevation changes that provide both strategic interest and views toward the lake. Jones incorporated his characteristic design elements—large, contoured greens defended by substantial bunkering and an emphasis on aerial approach shots. The course measures over 6,900 yards from the back tees, presenting a legitimate test for accomplished players while remaining accessible from forward positions. As a municipal facility, Durand Eastman serves a broad cross-section of Rochester-area golfers and visitors. The course has hosted various regional amateur events over the decades, contributing to its reputation as one of the stronger public layouts in western New York. Its location within a popular park means golfers often share the grounds with hikers, beachgoers, and wildlife, giving rounds here a distinctly public-land character that differs from private club settings.