Smith: Lexington, Kentucky

Flying into Bluegrass Field has always been emotionally intoxicating — even before you tour a distillery upon disembarking. There is something special about Kentucky “Horse Country,” which reminds you this environment is as rare as a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle.

Smith: George Patton

On Sept. 19, 1964, a muggy night in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Joe Namath lined up under center for the first series, called for the snap, and dropped back to throw. As soon as he set up in the pocket, George Patton was in his face and threw the heralded Tide All-American for a nine-yard loss.

Smith: Tom Cousins

There are many Biblical references to incompatibility in the afterlife for those who accumulated wealth on earth, and while no living person, sinner or saint, knows what awaits, I believe Tom Cousins will be in the quarters reserved for the most special of people.

Smith: Summer’s heat

High temperatures, which have overwhelmed us lately, seem to be more intense and more enduring than I can remember. You notice, however, that those who work outside appear to be carrying on with a “business as usual” demeanor.

Smith: Kirby’s kickoff

I have been monitoring the start of each season of Georgia football for almost seven decades. There was never a time when there was not a rush of adrenaline accompanying that first day of practice.Yesteryear, the players reported on Labor Day weekend.

Smith: Commissioner Tyler Harper

Near Ocilla is the home of Tyler Harper, Georgia’s commissioner of agriculture, who is more than an established politician.

Smith: Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker, nicknamed “the goal line stalker” by Dan Magill, may have been the greatest Bulldog ever when it came to that particular talent. He also may have been the best when it comes to accentuating the positive.

Smith: Wimbledon memories

As the action intensifies at Wimbledon, the world’s oldest tennis championship charms and inspires, and leaves you smitten and overwhelmed. That is how this great venue and its revered tournament affect this partisan.

Smith: Bill Griffin

The U. S. Open is not supposed to be something easy to win; inherent in its challenge are adversity and stress. If you want an easy track, stay away from Oakmont and ply your time at some muni course in some obscure, no-name town.

Smith: Manuel Diaz

The upcoming induction of three Bulldog icons into the “Circle of Honor” in late August will be especial in that in the prime years of their Georgia careers, they were the best of their time: Herschel Walker was the best running back in the country; Jeff Wallace was the best women’s coach; and...