Imagining a course where every hole presents a birdie opportunity for the average golfer.

Boaters know that there's no better way to explore Cape Cod than by water, especially considering the region's infamous summer traffic. From small, intimate harbors to larger ports rich with nightlife, the Cape is blessed with coastal destinations to suit any mariner's palette. Here's a sampling of some great spots to visit by boat, whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay.

Despite hard times, Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, North Carolina, remains a golfer's paradise.

Managing editor, Rob Duca, reviews the North Course at Lake of Isles in North Stonington, Connecticut and visits Fowoods Resort Casino, located only minutes away.

Fasten your seat belts, these local holes are sure to rattle your nerves.

Managing Editor Rob Duca takes an inside look at six area golf courses.

On Cape Cod, and along the surrounding area, visitors can find plenty of golf play, an abundance of seafood and world-class legends. For those who need a little help planning, there is help.

Eighteen holes of golf can be a grind - mentally and physically. It can also be long, as in four, five or - gasp - six hours. For many, that's just too much time taken out of a busy day. But there are alternatives that allow you to slip in a quick 18 without clearing your schedule. They're called executive courses, and plenty exist within easy driving distance.

At 95, Geoffrey Cornish is old enough to have known Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones and A.W. Tillinghast. One of the legendary golf course architects of the 20th century, he has designed or renovated more than 240 courses. Many are on Cape Cod.

For our summer/ fall 2011 issue Managing Editor Rob Duca and writer Tom Gorman reviewed six local golf courses.

I was ensnared by the notorious "Bear Trap," enthralled by a luxurious Swedish massage, enlightened with a one-on-one golf lesson, and educated by a tour-quality club-fitting session. All without leaving the well-manicured grounds of PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

The village of Woodstock, Vt. is the definition of the quintessential New England experience, hence its reputation as "the prettiest small town in America." Enchanting and tranquil, the picturesque town's quaint main thoroughfare offers a cornucopia of activities, including three of the finest championship golf courses in New England.

A guide to golfing on on Cape Cod, The Islands and Southern New England