1 – Peekaboo sun causes havoc

The line for my 30-foot putt was there. Take aim at the shadow of the flag flapping the wind, let it slide left with the break. Perfect. And then . . . disaster struck. Clouds arrived, the sun went in, the shadow disappeared. Missed my target by 2 feet, jammed the ball right through the break. Damn climate change.

2 – No, I mean cash – now

Saw a clever tip about an instructor telling his student to keep a quarter tucked under each armpit, go hip-to-hip swinging your driver, just smooth out 50-yard shots. Cool drill, it promotes getting arms tight to your body. Figured I’d try it on the range, so I asked a friend if he had two quarters. He said no, “but I could Venmo you.”

3 – Searching for a comfort zone

Faced with a layup, the caddie was all business with the numbers. “Hit something 160, you’ll have 80, or you can hit up to 180 and have 60. What are you comfortable with?” I told him I was comfortable in sweat pants and a t-shirt, “but that’s not possible at this golf club because of its dress code, so let’s just wing it and make it up as we go along.”

4 – Don’t let it get you down

So . . . fatting my second shot about 110 yards left me 130 in and the next shot was wide right into a greenside bunker and led to an eventual double-bogey. But the caddie and I agreed that we were one hole closer so it wasn’t all bad. Positive thoughts are vital.

5 – Always tweaking

If you are in an elevator all by yourself and do not slow motion your golf swing and study the checkpoints, we simply cannot be friends.

GOLF COURSE SIGN – Former colleague and longtime friend Adam Schupak figured that he’d send along a sentiment that many of us should share. He spotted this “golf course sign” while playing No. 10, the newest golf course at the famed Pinehurst Resort and it’s hard to disagree with the message. We should all rest a moment and be thankful when we’re blessed with the chance to be on the golf course. Should you come across a sign that makes you smile feel free to share it with me. You can send to jim@powerfades.com

6 – What about me?

Returned home still sore about a 12-foot birdie try that lipped out. “I mean, Billy had the same putt and his turned left and went in. Mine turned right and missed,” I exclaimed. To which she responded, “Well, good for Billy. That’s nice to hear.” I cringed. When did this become about Billy?

7 – Oh, the things you’ll find

Gentle reminder that mid-August is a good time to take all the clubs out of your bag, lay them aside, then tip your bag upside down, shake it, and watch what fascinating things fall out. Like that black plum you brought to your Saturday game two weeks ago but didn’t eat; or the $10 you swear you paid your opponent last time out only he said you didn’t.

8 – Quality logos surely matter

Forget picking a winner at this week’s U.S. Amateur at Merion. The real challenge is to try and predict the number of polo shirts with the famed Merion logo that will be sold.

9 – Music to my ears

I like to putt on my golf shoes with real spikes and walk on paved pathways just to rekindle sounds of joy.