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"I think you'd be better served by using your brassie," said my caddie Robby, his voice heavy with a Highlands cadence and a two wood at the ready.

I was playing a round at my friend's private club and listening to Robby's take on the game's sorry state of affairs. A purist, he was of the contention that because few players today have a proper knowledge of the game's history, they can't appreciate its true beauty and grace.

"I don't know, Robby. I'm kinda leanin' towards my spoon," I said, allowing a wry smile to crawl across my face as I mimicked his thrust-out chin towards the pin. He turned slowly, took off his Tam-O-Shanter, and bowed deeply from the waist. "Aye, laddie, it's a truly fine bit of business that you know the proper names of the clubs. The spoon it is," he replied, as he smiled broadly and handed over my three wood.

This exchange was one of many memorable ones I've enjoyed in my travels up and down the ICW, as I've taken advantage of the seemingly endless opportunities to play on some of the finest public courses within a reasonable proximity of my dock. And naturally, you can, too.

In this first part of this multipart series, I'll share some of the better opportunities from Maryland to Georgia. Many are right on the water or within a short taxi ride from local marinas. Future installments will include courses from Maine to New Jersey, Florida, the Gulf Coast, the West Coast, and some of the closer Bahamian islands. If you have any favorites you've played, please drop me a line and I'll add them to my list.

MARYLAND
Minutes from the many marinas in Ocean City, Eagle's Landing has breathtaking seaside vistas and a variety of links-style holes featuring Bermuda fairways and bent-grass greens. Located on picturesque Sinepuxent Bay in Assateague Island National Seashore, it's in the middle of protected lands. Your round will take you through native pine forests, freshwater wetlands, nine lakes and ponds, large white-sand bunkers, and between the 10th and 18th holes, an inspiring tidal pool. Surrounded by salt marshes and with its small landing area off the tee and no bailout surrounding the entire green, the par 4 18th is one of the toughest and most scenic finishing holes around.

Greens fees are $59 with cart daily until noon and $39 after that. Phone: (410) 213-7277. www.eagleslanding.com. Nearby marinas include White Marlin Phone: (410) 289-6470, Harbour Island Phone: (410) 289-3511, Advanced Marina Phone: (410) 723- 2124, Ocean City Fishing Center Phone: (410) 213-1121, and Sunset Marina Phone: (410) 213-9600.

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