1 – The good and friendly

Travel days made with a golf bag always bring to mind those cherished memories to cover the Open Championship. Specifically what is etched in my mind are employees working passport control who often kindly asked, “Are you here for the golf?” Such a warm greeting.

2 – The bad and ignorant

Unfortunately, return trips always put me at U.S. baggage carousels with U.S. travelers, many of whom love to stand close enough to block the way. As if to say, “Until I get my bag, no one gets theirs.”

3 – Doesn’t sound like much but quite proud of this

Unless things change in the next few weeks, I should finish the season with more birdies than lost golf towels. That reverses a three-year trend.

4 – Noise control

Please, when the flagstick is removed from the hole, lay it gently on the green. No need to let it slam.

5 – One man’s opinion

Did I mention that thick flagsticks are better than thin, whippy ones.

6 – Now on the tee, a little “Animal House”

When exactly did it become very cool to chug a can of beer on the first tee box to get the crowd into it? Outside of LIV Golf, that is.

7 – Signed, faders of the golf ball

Time for that yearly reminder to maintenance staffers: It’s imperative to clear leaves from the right side of the fairway, more so than the left side.

8 – You better believe the host course matters

We’re about two months away from one of the four best golf championships in the world – the Australian Open. Especially when it’s played at Kingston Heath, as it will be this year. Dec. 1 can’t get here fast enough.

9 – You should never have to ask, “Who’s up?”

If you’re not playing ready golf, then you’re not really playing golf.