RANKED: 10 of world’s most picturesque golf courses according to Instagram data

The coronavirus pandemic may still be making travelling very different in 2021, but there are hopes that normality will resume before the end of the year - including an optimistic 39% rise in golf holiday bookings at the end of the year. 

With that in mind, our friends over at Surprize Shop have uncovered the Top 10 most picturesque golf courses in the world, according to Instagram. The data collated included the number of images of the course on Instagram, alongside the hashtags most closely associated to that course. 

As you might expect, the stunning Royal County Down course in Ireland took the top spot, closely followed by the home of The Masters, Augusta National. The rest of the top 10 was covered by courses in Portugal, Scotland and the United States: 

1. Royal County Down Golf Club - Ireland, UK - 89,293 posts

Royal County Down is one of the oldest golf courses in Ireland, set in the stunning Murlough Nature Reserve on Northern Ireland’s east coast. The 36-hole course makes use of the natural duneland of the reserve for an organic and beautiful game.

2. Augusta National Golf Club - Georgia, USA - 71,132 posts

The Augusta National is famous for hosting the Masters each year, the only major played at the same course each year. In 2019, the course became a co-host of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

3. Quinta do Lago - Almancil, Portugal - 70,927 posts

The Quinta do Lago resort in the Algarve offers the perfect way to experience the Mediterranean for any golf enthusiasts. The resort touches the shores of the sea and offers stunning 360 views on both the North and South courses.

4. TPC Sawgrass - Florida, USA - 45,205 posts

TPC Sawgrass is home to one of the most difficult holes recognised in golf. The Stadium course is said to be one of the most challenging around. Both the Stadium and Valley courses offer beautiful views of hundreds of oaks, pines and palms all under the Florida sun.

5. Old Course - Scotland, UK - 35,731 posts

Supposedly the oldest course in the world, the “Home of Golf” in St Andrews rests on Scotland’s east coast and takes advantage of the rugged natural beauty of the country. The course prides itself on being open to all despite being one of the most recognised courses worldwide.

6. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort - Oregon, USA - 22,648 posts

Resting on the edge of the Pacific along Oregon’s coastline, Bandon Dunes offers incredible views, as well as excellent golf. Bandon Dunes offers six courses that seek to replicate the traditional conditions of golf.

7. PGA National Golf Club - Florida, USA - 22,319 posts

Home of the Professional Golfer’s Association of America, the PGA National boasts five courses in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Courses have been designed or redesigned by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gene Sarazen, proving its place in golf history.

8. Bethpage Black Course - New York, USA - 18,711 posts

Bethpage public park is home to five 18-hole courses, with the Black course being the most internationally recognised. The Black course consistently ranks in Golf Digest’s top 100 courses in the US. The public park resides in Long Island, New York.

9. Pebble Beach Golf Links - California, USA - 16,254 posts

California's Pebble Beach has hosted the US Open six times in the last 50 years, more than any other US course. Set in the near-tropical climate of California and enjoying proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This 18-hole course is a must for sun-loving golfers.

10. Whistling Straits Golf Course - Wisconsin, USA - 15,184 posts

In 2021, Whistling Straits will be the host of the Ryder Cup, after the tournament was rescheduled in 2020. The 18-hole course, The Straits, sits on the edge of Lake Michigan, while The Irish is a more rugged course further inland.

The bad luck for notorious golfer Donald Trump continues. One of his Scottish golf courses, Trump International Golf Links, only placed 11th in the list with 13,927 posts on Instagram.

Courses from Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Canada also feature in the top 30, making a bucket list for any golfer who loves to enjoy the view as much as play the game.