From humble beginnings, when its first golf course opened more than a century ago, Canada's smallest province has always had a big heart for golfers from near and far.

While it's small in size, no place in the province is more than 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the sea, PEI's 20-plus golf courses are recognized, like the island itself, among the best in the world. It's a true golfer's paradise and an island destination that rivals the very best.

"I tell people that when they come to Prince Edward Island they need to adjust to "Island Time", that is, it's time to relax, it's time to enjoy and it's time to create lasting memories," says Greg Dukart, GM of GolfLinks PEI. "When golfers visit, we're often told that it almost feels as though they're coming to another country. PEI has that special feeling of being a gentle island paradise with a down home feeling most people yearn for."

When it comes to great golf, Dukart, who manages the island's four provincially run golf courses, including world-renowned The Links at Crowbush Cove, knows PEI is right up there in the world rankings. "We know for sure that we can compete with the foremost golf courses and resorts in North America. Look at the top six or eight courses on the island and we can go head-to-head with anyone and the best part off all is that we can do it at a fraction of the price of the other golf destinations."

From New Brunswick visitors can take the eight-mile long Confederation Bridge from the mainland or there's a ferry from Nova Scotia. I like the bridge, it's quick, the views are great and it doesn't matter what time you arrive. When driving the two-lane highways and back roads one quickly finds PEI's magical allure in its, green pastures, farmers' fields, open spaces, sandy beaches, protected sand dunes, captivating red rock cliffs and inspiring views of wonderful golf courses.

Each year about 1.4 million tourists visit the island. Golfers and families looking for an affordable getaway to play and stay can spend a week to 10 days on the island and never pay more than $90 in prime time for a round of golf. The provincial average for a green fee is in the $50-$60 range.

It's widely acknowledged that PEI's golf boom took flight in 1993 when the province called upon Tom McBroom, arguably the No. 1 golf course architect in Canada, to create a world-class links layout overlooking the wild wind-swept dunes along the island's North Shore. If there has ever been one golf course that has meant so much to one province, it would be - Crowbush Cove - a spellbinding design where the wind always blows. McBroom's rolling fairways mimic the nearby ocean waves for somewhat of a surreal golf experience.

"In my mind Crowbush set the standard for golf in Eastern Canada and everything that has come in its wake is measured against it," McBroom says. SCORE golf magazine agrees ranking it No. 8 in Canada in its last survey of the top-100 courses in Canada. Since opening on July 1, 2001, Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort is Atlantic Canada's most luxurious resort, a deserving five-star rating with awesome views of the golf course and access to the nearby beach. Another great place to stay is the idyllic Rustico Resort G&CC, which offers incredible value, a variety of accommodation types and a challenging 18-hole course with ocean views from nearly every hole.