1 – Got an ace, play it

So The Golf Channel makes a significant signing, getting Roger Maltbie back in the mix. And we only get him Thursday and Friday. Like signing the best reliever in baseball and using him only in the fifth and sixth innings. Weird, very weird, this move and this TGC-NBC connection.

2 – What’s the issue?

Justin Thomas sure can come off as whiny, no?

3 – The eyes didn’t have it

Built a snowman but struggled to find eyes. Two eyes made out of coal was the logical choice – it’s part of how Frosty was built, you know – but using a fossil fuel is a no-no. Alas, my poor snowman got faucet washers for eyes.

4 – What, exactly, did they ban?

Let’s be honest, after watching Akshay Bhatia win the Arnold Palmer Invitational, aren’t you confounded about the USGA’s years-long quest to ban anchoring? So much drama, so much posturing, so little accomplished. Laughable.

GOLF COURSE PHOTO – Cheers to the good folks at White Heron GC in Davenport, Fla., for this ingenious way to offer used golf balls to golfers along the 7th fairway? Like, who doesn’t have fond memories of a vintage gumball machine? Sincere thanks to avid reader Joe Manning, and, as always, should you come across a cool golf course photo, feel free to send it jim@powerfades.com.

5 – Actually, there is

When those folks on the phone help with a query about a bill or telling you where the volume is on your clicker – remarkable the things that stymie me – they often ask if there’s anything else they can help you with. Automatically we say no. But once in a while I say to myself, “what the heck, why not?” So I’ll ask the person at the other end, “Do you have a favorite drill to eliminate the reverse pivot?”

6 – It wouldn’t be pretty

If this silliness about making the Players Championship a major continues, who is going to tell Gary Player that he no longer has won the career grand slam?

7 – Word game

Whenever I’m greeted with “Hey, what’s the good word?” I answer, “Good word? How ‘bout blessed? That’s a very good word. Maybe our best word.”

8 – Hole thoughts

The par-5 ninth is my favorite hole at TPC Sawgrass. The par-3 17th remains my least favorite. No. 7 is the most underrated. Most spectators start watching and walking at No. 3.

9 – In case you care

If we're voting, mark me down for thin flagsticks over the thick ones.