Courtesy: Highlands Links, Cape Breton

I'm a big fan of oceanside golf courses. I love the ocean and playing golf alongside an expanse of blue water simply heightens the pleasure of the game.

I'm also a big fan of value and it's not often that great value and great ocean golf get together as a two-some.

One of my favorite destinations for seaside golf is Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on Canada's east coast.

Cape Breton is actually an island linked to the rest of Nova Scotia by a short causeway.

The scenery around Cape Breton is spectacular. On a day when golf is not in the cards, a drive around the Cabot Trail that skirts Cape Breton is a must.

Rising high up rocky plateaus, you can gaze out over the Atlantic Ocean; it's breathtaking.

But on the days when golf is on the menu, there are no finer courses to play with the ocean or some kind of blue water in the distance than those found on Cape Breton.

There are, frankly, only four courses on Cape Breton. Three of them are headline grabbers.

Dundee, Bell Bay and the acclaimed Stanley Thompson layout, Highlands Links are standouts.

I have not played Dundee or Highlands Links - yet - but I can attest to the beauty and challenge of Bell Bay.

Situated in the quaint town of Baddeck and flanked to the west by the enormous salt water Bras d'Or lakes, Bell Bay is an experience.

But no matter which of the four courses on Cape Breton you decide to play, there are plenty of quality places to stay and eat.

And you get the local mix of Irish and Scottish culture thrown in with a big heap of friendliness as well.

Right now Cape Breton Tourism is offering some excellent Spring golf packages at the four courses mentioned.

It's not a busy time of year yet - that doesn't happen until summer - so the courses won't be crowded, the restaurants will be open for the season and you'll only be paying shoulder season rates.

Check the Cape Breton Tourism website for golf deals. You'll also find there is a whole lot more to do as well!