1 – It's in the eye of the beholder

Ah, yes, we have arrived at the annual intersection of opposing thoughts – sadness that our green is not presently green (hers); absolute exhilaration that our grass is a glimmering crispy brown (mine).

2 – Short check list of essentials

Golf courses, a quality short-game area, barber shops, hardware stories, good books, and coffee shops not named Starbucks. Should you need more than that in your life, my condolences.

3 – Now that was a penalty

Where were these FIFA referees in 1975 when Ed Armbrister warranted a red card for interfering with Carlton Fisk in Game 3 of the World Series.

4 – Seve was more wild and more thrilling

If you still are entertained by the stalkers on social media who post every errant drive and scrambling save by Jordan Spieth, understand this: Seve did it miles better and without an overreacting following, just an educated one.

GOLF COURSE PHOTO – When a longtime friend (Pete Kowalski, former USGA communications guru) makes a trip to Northwest Ireland and plays through some inclement weather, the respect is deep when he forwards a photo of such high quality. Now, he confirmed that a friend actually took the photo but the point is, it fits perfect into my passion of golf course signs found on the golf course. The sun and the water and the high grass was not going to be cropped out, so not wanting you to excessively squint or wear out the “Zoom In” button, here is what it reads on this bench at the 17th tee at Enniscrone: “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.” It’s a quote from the late Carl Jung, the acclaimed Swiss psychiatrist and psychologist who founded analytical psychology. Glorious, Pete. Should you find a golf course sign of great interest, please forward to jim@powerfades

5 – Let’s fix this oversight

Forget World Cup injustices, let’s address one that has been going on a lot longer and needs to be rectified. MacDonald Smith belongs in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Won three majors (the Western Opens of 1912, 1925, 1933 were bona fide majors), four LA Opens, a North-South, a Canadian Open – oh, and was one of the greatest teachers in golf history.

6 – Just wait till 2028

If you’re thinking President Trump helping to get Balogun back on the pitch was out-of-bounds, wait till he steps in to secure Tiger Woods a berth in the Championship Series in 2028.

7 – Easy to buy for

Speaking of current sports events, if Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo were to marry and extend to you an invitation, may I suggest this as a wedding gift: 60 dozen hot dogs, which is about seven nights of fine dining for the two of them.

8 – Would expect more from him

As much as he deserves great respect and admiration for back-to-back Masters wins, Rory McIlroy with just one Claret Jug in 16 Open Championship chances is surprising. Especially when you consider that three of those who, like McIlroy, completed the career grand slam (Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods) have three Open titles.

9 – Tommy Boy

That being said, the only storyline that warms my heart ahead of next week’s Open Championship is a win for Tommy Fleetwood. Grew up around the corner from Birkdale, beautiful striker of the golf ball, and has had that first major win within his grasp.