1 – Slow play? I’m appalled

You’re kidding? There’s a slow-play issue on the PGA Tour? Well done, Matt Fitzpatrick, who reported the news Sunday, to which Louis Renault and million other golf fans had the same reaction. “We’re shocked – shocked – to hear that slow play is going on here.” But guess what, Matt? Until players police things better and networks become more demanding, nothing changes.

2 – Favorites get favored times

Speaking of the agonizing slow-play issue, I have no idea who will fill out my field, but I’ve got the first two threesomes – Mark Calcavecchia, John Huston, and Paul Azinger; Curtis Strange, Bruce Lietzke, and Raymond Floyd. I’m partial to moving quickly with gents who have zero tolerance for nonsense.

3 – They’re on my team

I do know that there’s room reserved in my field for E. Harvie Ward, who is Top 10 in my list of all-time favorite golfers. Oh, and ditto Olin Browne, simply all-world when it comes to perspective and straight-shooting.

4 – Riveting? I think not

The TV folks are getting a little carried away with these player-caddie conversations. They make it sound like Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway are discussing literature and life.

GOLF COURSE PHOTO – To those who know, the sign is a giveaway. It’s got to be Musselburgh Golf Links, one of the oldest golf courses in the world, a cherished “must-play” for every golfer who visits Scotland. Located in Musselburgh, a town in East Lothian, just 5 miles from Edinburgh. Musselburgh in another life hosted the Open Championship six times in the 19th century. Cheers, once again, to avid reader and global traveler Dave McAdams. As always, should you come across a photo on a golf course that tickles your fancy, send it to jim@powerfades and we’ll include it here in a future issue.

5 – An inquiring mind

I was told to have just one swing thought as I stood over my tee ball. My swing coach seemed stymied when I asked, “You mean in addition to the one thought that is always on my mind, which is ‘Why is it you only spill coffee when you’re wearing a white shirt?’ ”

6 – You’ve got it, wear it

Speaking of which, the apron is a brilliant investment. Now if I could just remember that it is hanging inside the pantry door.

7 – I suppose it’s inevitable

With Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links team having made it into the TGL Championship, will this prompt The Golf Channel pundits to lobby for its stature as the sixth major?

8 – Who knew you could order it?

Asked what I wanted for my birthday, I facetiously said, “tempo and rhythm.” I guess a google search for “tempo and rhythm” advised that you could buy it on line and sure enough, my birthday gift, a Metronome, was delivered two days later. Tempo and rhythm here I come.

9 – A tradition unlike any other

Peach ice cream sandwiches. The countdown is on.