No, I don’t feel guilty. I certainly wanted to watch the Maine Amateur at Sanford, but without consulting the MSGA calendar I booked a trip to play two top courses I had not played in New Brunswick and two more in the County.

In 2003 Golf Digest rated The Linx at Kingswood Park the best new course in Canada and we were fortunate enough to have played it right after it opened. That first year we made our way to the course through a venue that had hosted the World Bowling Championships. That’s right, we carried our bags through a bowling alley that is part of a huge recreation complex on the outskirts of Fredericton. We found a delightful variety of holes designed by Graham Cooke, traversing a highland and dropping down among wetlands.

Thunder, lightning and a fierce downpour prevented a look at the new layout, but course manager Kevin Thompson was happy to show us around the new clubhouse. Still under construction, the new facility has enough done to move golfers out of the bowling alley. The pro shop, cart rental, club storage and rest rooms are operational. We saw enough to know that this is going to be a first class set up.

While catching up on Kingswood was fun, the real excitement came the next morning when we headed for Mactaquac, a half hour east of the New Brunswick capital. This local favorite is located in a Provincial Park that was created in 1967 when a dam was built across the St. John River. Lining the road is a split rail fence and trees with a fairway just beyond. At the gate house, golfers are waved through. Campers pay a fee and turn in the opposite direction.

I knew the course was popular with locals and I wanted to find out why. It didn’t take long. While the championship tees play just over 7,000 yards we chose the middle tees at 6,430. Bunkers, some water and rolling hills combine to give those tees a rating of 70.2/127. That was plenty, but fair with generous landing areas on most holes. The fairways and greens were lush, showing no signs of damage in a region where harsh winters are common.

The layout was carved from a mature forest and the tall firs and hardwoods separate the holes. Most of the wooded areas have been brushed out over the years and most stray balls are quickly found. We enjoyed our round and left knowing there were two good reasons for golfers to visit Fredericton. Mactaquac also has the attraction of value.

After our round we headed Northwest to Edmundston and an even older course, just across the river from Madawaska. Our lodging choice this time was a bed and breakfast a few blocks from downtown Edmundston. Fraser Edmundston GC was only five minutes away and it was easy to make our 9 a.m. tee time. Built in 1926, this club has hosted the Canadian Amateur as recently as 2002.

As with most courses of that era, fairways were not bulldozed to create flat landing areas. The fairways roll and dip between tall trees. In a few places the mill is visible, but without the hum, most golfers never notice it.

Even though the mill is close and city streets run nearby, the course has a secluded feel that makes it a pleasure to play. Four sets of tees range from 6,694 yards down to 5,946. Edmundston is an old classic layout, easy to include on a trip to Presque Isle – an hour and a half south.

Closer to home, the Bethel Inn is holding the first New England Father and Son Team Golf Championship August 6-8. The event is open to any father/son combination. The two-day, 36-hole tournament will be a best ball with gross and net divisions, flighted by handicaps at 90 percent. Packages with and without lodging are available and both include a lobster bake. Call the Bethel Inn for details 800-654-0125, 207-824-2175 or www.bethelinn.com.

Wednesday evening we braved the rain to take a look at the new Highland Green nine. I had seen the course under construction but this was an actual chance to hit some shots. The course will be open for free play until the end of August so prospective members can take a look. Reserved tee times are required so call ahead at 866-854-1200. It’s an interesting layout with good use of the terrain. It promises to be a fun nine. We’ll return on a sunny day.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.