1 – Not our time to shine

Black Friday followed within days by Cyber Monday? In golf terms we’re talking a par-5 that requires a 295-yard carry over water followed by a 265-yard island-green par-3. Utter misery.

2 – Holiday spirit outplays my golf

Picked out a perfect area of the living room for the simulator but was told that was for the Christmas tree. The spot in a corner of the family room seemed ideal. But no. It would block Elf on the Shelf, or so I was told. The dining room was out of the question. Something about the holiday dinner party needing the space. Honestly, this festive atmosphere is killing my quest to improve my golf game.

3 – No help

Even temporary greens require a permanent precision which is not part of my repertoire.

4 – Let’s change it up

Little-known fact, but Santa Claus’ reindeers push their golf carts in golf season. Can you blame them? Post-Christmas they’re sick of pulling.

GOLF COURSE PHOTO -- A recent visit to North Hill GC in Duxbury, Mass., brought back memories, this bell to let those back on the tee box that it's clear to hit. Now if you're one of those who rings the bell, even when no one is on the tee, just to feel good about your walk to the green, join the club. As always, should you have a submission, send to jim@powerfades.com.

5 – Not supposed to happen

Nelly Korda going an entire season without a win . . . did not see that one coming.

6 – Unheralded, but tougher

Back to the reindeer. They get a ton of positive PR. But for durability and perseverance in extreme conditions, give me the Alaskan Sled Dogs in the Iditarod.

7 – Nostalgia kicked to the curb

All these stories about what the PGA Tour will look like in 2027 and 2028 and even beyond. But there’s nothing about the Amana hats coming back. Sigh.

8 – Work before work

To me, AimPoint is akin to cleaning the house before the house-cleaning folks arrive. Lot of redundancy.

9 – When did it change back?

It’s a letdown to hear Tiger Woods talking about “trajectory,” as he did at the Hero Challenge Tuesday. I’m throwing the challenge flag. I thought it was “traj?”