1 – They carry on, beautifully

Watching the Walker Cup and seeing players wearing sweaters on one hole, rain suits on another, opening and closing umbrellas, then getting down to just short-sleeved polos generated one thought: Bravo to those caddies in links land.

2 – Clear-cut winner

If you don’t agree that Lahinch and Irish links were the biggest winners of the Walker Cup last weekend, then we cannot be in the same four-ball.

3 – As the season sets to turn

Just a gentle reminder as summer starts to slip away and the next season approaches that “autumn” is an 7-and-5 winner over “fall” for being a classier and more delightful word.

4 – Check list

Things on my check list when I finish a round of golf: Did I play with one ball? And just two wooden tees (one a longer one, the other a shorter one for par 3s)? And avoid back-to-back double-bogeys? If I reply with three affirmatives, it’s been a good day.

GOLF COURSE PHOTO -- When an avid reader and frequent playing partner sent me this photo, he was sure to point out that his wife is the one who spotted it and got a kick out of it. Bill Hurley and his wife, Mary, spotted it while playing golf at Captains GC on Cape Cod and my guess is we might all agree that the sentiment is spot on. Let this be a reminder that should you spot a whimsical golf course photo feel free to send it to jim@powerfades.com.

5 – Not sure it can be saved

In case you think sanity will return to the college sports landscape, bad news for you. A call to NCAA headquarters got this recording: The number you have called has been disconnected and is no longer in service.

6 – Shame on them

Seriously, has the USGA lost its way or what? Having retired from golf years ago after earning $1,905,075 in 174 PGA Tour tournaments (and also playing in 160 Korn Ferry Tour tournaments), Mike Sposa was granted reinstatement to the amateur ranks. In his second try he won the U.S. Senior Amateur. Being a professional used to mean something. This isn’t a college kid who tried the pro game for a year, never made a nickel and wanted to go back into the amateur game. This is so laughable and so flat-out wrong.

7 – Heck, why not?

What’s next, an organized Calcutta at the U.S. Mid-Am?

8 – Best vantage point

Consider this my PSA: Want to savor the best turf conditions of the year and soak in great foliage? Then get out and play some autumn golf. (Notice I wrote “autumn” and not “fall.”) Oh, there could be some slow play, but it’s not as bad as being behind those leaf-peepers slowing down to about 47 mph to view mountains 2 miles away.

9 – Remember, what goes up will come down

When push comes to shove you are likely navigating a steep hill with your trolley. Persevere, my friend, persevere. You are walking, the way the game is meant to be played.