1 – Hard, not great

It devoured Shane Lowry’s lead on Sunday at the Cognizant Classic, no question. But “the Bear Trap,” Nos. 16-17-18 at PGA National aren’t great holes. Hard? No question. But hard doesn’t make great.

2 – Now these are classics

You want hard and great? Meet Carnoustie’s closing three holes.

3 – You can play it forward

So when people keep writing that golf courses are too long, my wonderment is this: Do they realize they can move up to another tee box (or maybe two)? Or is the problem not that courses are too long but egos are too big?

4 – See you later, alligators

Not that anyone cares, but with stops at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill, then TPC Sawgrass, and Innisbrook for the Valspar Championship, we’ve got probably 17-to-20 alligator highlights over the next three weeks.

5 – Who wants that imagery?

This idiom about holding a golf club like you had a bird leaves me cringing. Holding a bird in your hands increases by 285 percent the chance you’ll be wiping up a bit of a mess. You think I want that thought as I stand gripping a club to stiff a wedge shot to 40 feet?

GOLF COURSE PHOTO – As you enter, the sign lets you know that this is serious golf here at Dooks GC in Doonaghs, Glenbeigh in County Kerry, Ireland. You better not try and share club and best ask yourself, “Am I bona fide?” That’s because Dooks GC is a bona fide joy, the real deal. This is another gem from good friend and avid reader Dave McAdams, whose global travels are to be envied. Good news, he brings back great photos. As for you, should have any of those ticklishly fun golf course photos you can send, feel free to share with jim@powerfades.com

6 – Crunch this number, 1.000

My birdie conversion on putts inside of 4 feet was perfect for 2025. One chance, one make.

7 – Indoor golf is calling

TGL playoff fever – catch it.

8 – Water here, water there, water everywhere

One week of the Florida swing and I’m already sick of water holes.

9 – Call them 1 and 1a

Always, it was the pure punchbowl green that captured my heart. But after playing a superb Biarritz in 2025, it’s a tough call. Both are so sweet.