Golf
The definitive golf course bucket list
By Matias Grez
Updated 1241 GMT (2041 HKT) November 8, 2016
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We begin our list in the United Kingdom. While the isles boast some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world -- St. Andrews, Turnberry and Carnoustie, to name just three -- there are often more modest locations that provide just as thrilling an experience. Oliver Graham (@olivergraham24) sent us this photo of him teeing off into the setting sun. Fitting, after all, as this area of England is the sunniest in the country. @olivergraham24/Instagram
Our second entry comes from @aerialagents. "One of the most visually impressive holes on this Tom Fazio designed course," they explain. "Sand Ridge Golf Club is built on 370 acres of woods, pastures and wetlands." The vast array of colors in the trees are evidence of this. @aerialagents/Instagram
The varied landscape behind this course is the perfect base for a sunset. @ayojsnow was clearly delighted with his surroundings: "What a round!" he wrote. @ayojsnow/Instagram
"The Pete Dye clubhouse is blessed with a magnificent sunrise," the club says on its website. "While the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse enjoys stunning sunsets." Based on @jakew843's shot, they certainly have a point. @jakew843/Instagram
Perhaps one of the more distinctive backdrops on the list, the Emirates Golf club in Dubai provides something a little different to trees, seas or sunsets. Home to the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, the impressive skyline is certainly an alternative location to play a round in front of. Thanks to @brian_will85 for sending this photo. @brian_will85/Instagram
This shot sent to us by @brianoar -- owner of @stgeorgeutahgolf and www.stgeorgeutahgolf.com -- is of Entrada at Snow Canyon. He has been a huge golf fan since the age of eight when he used to play with his Grandma. "I fell in love with the look of morning and evening light and 'golden hours' on golf courses," he says. "They are living, breathing pieces of art." @brianoar/Instagram
The combination of vivid greens and browns in @c4rtp4th's submission is synonymous with the Pacific Northwest. "The four towering pine trees will reject any garbage you throw at the green. Love a golf hole that makes you think and work for a good score," he said. @c4rtp4th/Instagram
At this course, you would be forgiven for deliberately aiming your ball towards the water hazard. The still, crystal water creates the perfect canvas to mirror the backdrop of palm trees and mountains. @channingbenjaminphotography described it as: "The best!" @channingbenjaminphotography/Instagram
CNN's Don Riddell, host of the Living Golf show for five years, has been to some incredible locations. The Farm, however, stood out as one of the best of the bunch. "One of my favorite locations in all my time at CNN," he explained. "Feels like you're standing on the edge of the world, a great course and an unforgettable experience!" @donriddell/Instagram
Not a country with a rich golf history, Slovenia, nevertheless, provides one of the more dramatic backdrops on our list. Overlooked by the highest point of the Slovenian Alps, and often just below the clouds, @dragobilic's submission is the only Slovenian course on Golf World Magazine's Top 100 European Golf Courses. @dragobilic/Instagram
Make sure you wrap up warm for this one. "Safe to say golfing at almost two miles above sea level (around 9,000 feet) is one of the coolest experiences ever," @drew_harvie said of the course. @drew_harvie/Instagram
This snap sent to us by @enderlix captures the sun's rays piercing through the clouds and into the Mediterranean Sea. "The club takes its name from a nearby island just off the shore which, complete with its own lighthouse, can be seen from most of the holes," the club says. @enderlix/Instagram
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains -- @kroisov16's shot illustrates the nickname -- Sequoyah is nestled among the oak, fir and flowered valleys that produce such vivid colors. @kroisov16/Instagram
CNN's Chris Murphy captured this shot at St. Andrews soon after the deluge. The gray skies and man skipping through the puddle illustrate just how quickly the rain fell and waterlogged the course. "A tad wet at St Andrews on Friday. All adds to the fun, when you're sitting in the warm & toasty media center anyway," he said. @murpho2005/Instagram
CNN anchor Patrick Snell was lucky enough to visit the world famous Pebble Beach -- but he didn't get the chance to have a round. "Now I definitely want to play it!" he said, adding it to his bucket list. @cnnpatrick/Instagram
While some golfers in certain parts of the world have been scared off course by alligators, @rmuggs found a far less scary intruder on his round. The big horn sheep even took the time to pose and smile for the camera. @rmuggs/Instagram
@realstewartkick captures a stark contrast in colors from the wild flowers in the foreground, to the green and blue in the background on the 18th hole. Not a bad way to end a round. @realstewartkick/Instagram
Pebble Beach is clearly a popular choice with our anchors -- CNN Living Golf host Shane O'Donoghue decided it would be on his bucket list too. @shaneodonoghuegolf/Instagram
So good we had to pick it twice. The palette of colors visible in the sky makes this a worthy location for @wickedgolfer59 to play a round of dawn golf. Although somebody in the foreground clearly isn't too impressed. @wickedgolfer59/Instagram
