People who love the game of golf often love more than just the sport itself. The atmosphere on the green, often a picturesque scene of grand natural beauty, adds to the allure. However, not all golf courses are created equally when it comes time for their close-up. That's why Betway Sport recently analyzed the popularity of America's top golf clubs based on the number of Instagram hashtags they've received. They've listed the top 10 most picture-perfect sites for your next golfing getaway, ranked in order of their social media sway.
RELATED: 10 Most Affordable Golf Towns in the U.S.
10 Winged Foot: Mamaroneck, New York
View this post on Instagram
If Instagram mentions are any measure, New York is a surprisingly popular destination for golfing. In fact, nine courses in the state made the list of the top 50 most picturesque golf courses in the nation. Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck was the most popular Empire State golf green with 2,243 hashtag mentions.
9 Fox Chapel: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
View this post on Instagram
Pennsylvania was home to three golf courses ranked in the top 10, and five courses ranked in the top 50 for Instagrammability. In particular, Fox Chapel Golf Club, located in Pittsburgh, received 2,270 social media mentions—making it the ninth most popular for this fall. According to Golf Digest, this private club is one of the best in the nation, excelling in layout variety, shot options, character, fun, and challenge.
RELATED: The 10 Best Lake Towns in the U.S.
8 Merion: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
View this post on Instagram
Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania is often ranked among the top 10 golf courses in the U.S., making it a popular location for lovers of the game. In fact, in 2015, it was ranked fifth in the nation by Golf Digest's annual list of "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses," and has hosted five U.S. Open tournaments (surpassed only by Pebble Beach, which has hosted six). The popular course received 2,551 Instagram hashtags, making it one of the most desirable destinations for this fall.
7 Congaree: Ridgeland, South Carolina
View this post on Instagram
According to Betway's analysis, 2,590 people mentioned Congaree Golf Club on Instagram—in no small part thanks to its historic architecture and quintessentially Southern landscaping, complete with live oaks draped in Spanish moss. However, visitors may also be drawn to its unique mission: created by the Congaree Foundation, the club strives to impact the lives of young people through educational and vocational opportunities presented by the game of golf.
RELATED: The Most Walkable U.S. Cities in America for Seniors.
6 Aronimink: Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
View this post on Instagram
Located just outside of Philadelphia, Aronimink Golf Club was ranked the sixth most Instagrammable course, with 2,660 hashtags. The club is likely to climb in popularity in the upcoming years since it has been selected to host the 2026 PGA Championship. This "will coincide with the United States semiquincentennial celebration, and marks the 250th anniversary of America's founding in 1776 in Philadelphia," the club site says.
5 Bandon Dunes: Bandon, Oregon
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (@bandondunesgolf)
Bandon Dunes in Bandon, Oregon, describes its six courses as being "conceived in harmony with the natural environment," and set against the "grandeur of Oregon's rugged coast." The wild waters and craggy dunes conjure a moody atmosphere that reminds players of the sport's ancient roots in Scotland—which may explain why 5,747 people have posted their striking, mid-game views on Instagram.
RELATED: 12 Best Cities in the U.S. for Outdoor Adventures.
4 Pinehurst: Pinehurst, North Carolina
View this post on Instagram
Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina came in fourth with 6,279 hashtags. This is likely because of its impressive size: The famed resort runs nine 18-hole golf courses as well as one 9-hole short course. Known as "the cradle of American golf," these courses have together hosted three U.S. Open Championships, one U.S. Women's Open, three U.S. Amateur Championships, one PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup.
3 Pebble Beach: Del Monte Forest, California
View this post on Instagram
It's no wonder that Pebble Beach Golf Links in Del Monte Forest, California has garnered 15,355 hashtag mentions on Instagram. Rated the number one public golf course in America, the course offers a sweeping coastal view that's served as a backdrop for more U.S. Open tournaments than any other course over the last 50 years.
RELATED: The 10 Most Naturally Beautiful States in the U.S., New Data Shows.
2 Augusta National: Augusta, Georgia
View this post on Instagram
Augusta Country Club came in second on the list of most Instagrammed golf courses with 19,041 hashtags making its mention. Since 1934, the course has famously hosted the Masters Tournament, one of the four men's major golf championships in professional golf. On top of its rich history, visitors may find the grounds especially picturesque thanks to its expert landscaping, which features vibrant azaleas and elegant dogwood trees.
1 Riviera: Los Angeles
View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Riviera Country Club (@therivieracountryclub)
Taking first place in the social media showdown is The Riviera Country Club, located in sunny Los Angeles. This popular destination, nestled in the beautiful Pacific Palisades, boasted 32,315 Instagram hashtags from visitors of its rolling greens and Spanish colonial architecture. You can expect even more exposure for this club in the coming years; founded in 1926, the course now hosts the Genesis Invitational and is poised to host the 2028 Olympics golf tournament.
For more travel news sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Lauren Gray Lauren Gray is a New York-based writer, editor, and consultant.Read moreFiled UnderFun Facts • News • SportsRead This Next10 Best U.S. Cities for Golf Lovers
From beautiful islands to major cities, these destinations are great for those looking to tee off. October 17, 2022209 Dad Jokes So Bad They're Hilarious
You don't have to have kids to appreciate the corniest, punniest dad jokes of all time.September 18, 202310 Most Affordable Golf Towns in the U.S.
Here’s where you can hit the greens for a day without the elite country club vibes.June 7, 2023The Smart Man's Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Wine
That $2,000 bottle of Bourdeaux might be worth $20. Here’s how to be sure it’s the real thing.April 13, 2017The 5 Best Light-Bodied Red Wines for Extending Your Summer
Don't let September ruin a killer party. August 25, 201717 Insanely Cool New Luxury Bicycles for Spring
Meet the bikes that cost more than a car.March 31, 2017Best Life Essentials
You deserve the best. Live life to the fullest with these ultimate essentials.October 21, 2016This Is the Safest Way to Store Meat
Don't let that filet set you up for food poisoning. February 7, 2018Here Are the 10 Wealthiest Cryptocurrency Millionaires Under 40
Including one guy who is only 24 years-old!February 7, 2018This Is the Safest Way to Clean Your Floors
Keep your floors clean and looking brand new with this easy tip. February 8, 2018