19th Hole

Study reveals the top-20 bucket list golf courses worldwide

Published

1 year ago

Dec 21, 2022

If you’re stuck for last-minute holiday ideas to give your favorite golf fanatic, how about a round at one of the most wanted courses in the world?

One-stop golf supplier Clarkes Golf recently released data on the top-20 “bucket list” courses, and there is little surprise that Augusta National makes top spot.

Analyzing data on 500 courses and over three categories, Clarkes looked at the numbers created by followers (how many followed the course Instagram page), interest (searches on Google), and popularity (traffic to the course website) resulting in clear victory for the legendary host of the Masters.

Despite the annual changes to the Georgia track, the chance to follow in many of the most iconic moments in the sport is the pull for most, the course leading the way in “followers” and “popularity” although, according to the figures, lagging behind overall third placed Whistling Straits in terms of “interest.”

The study, correct as November 1, gives the Augusta website over a million more views than the runner-up, luxury resort Sandal Emerald Bay, whilst three-time host of the PGA Championship, Whistling Straits, may attribute the strong figures to hosting the 2021 Ryder Cup.

Gleneagles, scene of the 2014 Ryder Cup, the Women’s British Open, Solheim Cup (senior and junior), and a host of top-class European Tour events, is the first of the U.K courses to appear in the list at number six, although there was a heightened interest after news revealed new technology on the 12th fairway at Kings.

The Perth course finished three ahead of Adare Manor, the 5-star hotel complex in Limerick and host of an annual charity golf event starring Rory McIlroy. It’s also due to host the 2027 biennial match between the U.S and Europe.

Other notables include the stunning but often brutal Pebble Beach, the ever-popular Brandon Dunes, and major hosts Pinehurst and Oakland Hills.

As a side-project, compilers also looked at the easiest and toughest courses in the world, based on “looking at the best courses in the world, and then which 18-holers have the lowest par.”

Australia cleaned up in that one, with The Glades and Lakes coming in first and second place, with no U.S courses in the top-10.

In contrast, in the opposing “hardest” courses, Streamsong Resort, and Interlachen come in at second and fifth, behind the par-76 Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.

Check out the full lists here and let us know what you think of the results in the comments, GolfWRXers!

Report: Greg Norman spotted following a surprise grouping on Thursday at the Masters

Published

11 hours ago

Apr 12, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Greg Norman is at this week’s Masters tournament but found himself in a situation where he had to buy himself a ticket to enter the grounds.

Speaking to the Washington Post, Norman explained why he was at Augusta National:

“I’m here because we have 13 players that won 10 Masters between them. So I’m here just to support them, do the best I can to show them, ‘Hey, you know, the boss is here rooting for you.’ ”

So who was Norman following during the opening round of this year’s Masters? Well the answer may surprise you.

Per Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig, Norman was spotted following the LIV-less grouping of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.

Spotted in the gallery at Augusta: Greg Norman following Rory McIlroy ? (and Scottie and Xander)

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) April 11, 2024

We’ll find out a little later today whether Norman will make his third appearance in as many days at this year’s opening major.

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Collin Morikawa makes surprising late putter switch at Masters

Published

1 day ago

Apr 11, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Collin Morikawa has had plenty of success with a blade in his hands over the course of his young career, but after a lean spell on the greens lately, it appears that the 27-year-old is ready to try something new.

Related: Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia make significant equipment changes as 2024 Masters looms

The California-native began the year with his TaylorMade TP Soto before switching to a Logan Olson proto last month. Now at this week’s Masters, Morikawa has been spotted with a Spider Tour X, the same flatstick that Scottie Scheffler will be using at Augusta.

The move would represent a big change, but it has been a very frustrating year on the greens for Morikawa, who will hope the TaylorMade mallet can offer him a similar upturn in fortune to that of Scheffler. In 2024, Morikawa ranks 164th for Strokes Gained: Putting, and 157th for Total Putting.

We’ll keep an eye whether Morikawa puts the mallet into action on day one of the Masters.

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Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters

Published

2 days ago

Apr 10, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Fresh off of winning $2.76 million on UConn’s victory over Purdue on Monday night, Barstool Sports’ founder Dave Portnoy has just placed a massive bet for this year’s Masters.

Tweeting on Wednesday morning, Portnoy revealed that he has placed $300,000 on Scottie Scheffler to win this year’s Masters at odds of +450.

Should he win, that’d be a total payout of $1.65 million.

Keep the momentum. For people who wanted me to hedge for is why I didn't. So I could take another shot at glory. #DKPartner #scotty pic.twitter.com/X9a0X8HOTZ

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 10, 2024

Scheffler is one of the shortest priced favorites of recent times at the Masters, and is looking for what would be his third win in his last four events.