1 – Rule No. 1

It is better to carry an umbrella in sunny weather in Ireland than to be dressed in a light pullover and drenched to the bone by a downpour when rain was not in the forecast.

2 – At the top of my list

Thick flagsticks, wooden tees, rakes in bunkers, no relief from divot holes, golf carts without speakers spewing music . . . these are a few of my favorite things.

3 – Icy thought

It could be arbitrary, of course, but methinks a golf club should have a minimum of nine ex-NHLers.

4 – Fans have a different perspective

As great as match play is, it makes for a hard sell for TV and fans. Remember, the purists who love it aren’t buying advertising and paying for tickets.

5 – When the same numbers don’t match

My club selection won’t be the same from 150 yards than it is from 137 meters. Same distance, perhaps, but different.

GOLF COURSE PHOTO -- Like many clubs my beloved Milton Hoosic GC in Canton, Mass., has signs prepared for any occasion. Personally, I'm OK with the top right. This one I took care of, but should you want to contribute a sign you come across, feel free to send it to jim@powerfades.com

6 – Please consider them

Parkland golf courses that are in the shadows of great links deserve your attention.

7 – Don’t get lost in details

To flush a 7-iron into 35 mile-per-hour wind and land your ball onto the putting surface is pure joy – and who cares if it leaves you a 40-foot putt?

8 – Don’t overreact

If you’re thinking what the Americans did to rally on Sunday to win the Presidents Cup makes them a force to be reckoned with in Ireland in the 2027 Ryder Cup you need counseling.

9 – One can dream, right?

Curling in a 25-foot putt with a 2 ½-foot break from right-to-left is a wonderful happening. At least I imagine I’ll feel that way someday.