KEY POINTS:
Watch a top-class golfer duff a straightforward chip from just off the green and for every Saturday-morning hacker it is an immensely satisfying sight.
Just like us, separated only by that pile of moolah.
I had this thought as I watched a Swat officer go through a security screening, receiving a full pat-down. No one is immune when it comes to getting inside the Olympic bubble.
Taking a domestic flight from Beijing airport, things got a shade too personal.
At the search points, you stand on a small dais - the closest a journalist will get to an Olympic rostrum - while you are frisked. Thoroughly.
The young woman gave the instructions: "Arms out", "empty pockets", "turn around" - all the while running her fingers over every square inch of body. Poking, pushing and squeezing.
Generally the Olympic searches are fairly routine. This woman took her job seriously. Nothing was left to chance.
There came a moment when it was important to think of good things far away, like family and friends. Those who get their kicks in unusual ways would have enjoyed this experience. It took almost two minutes before she waved me on. Then she smiled.
And here's the point: these are the smiling Olympics. Whether it is "ni hao" (hello), "goodbye", "thank you" or "sorry", the Games people smile.
There is a smile scale in operation at the Games. It is never far from the faces of the thousands of volunteers.
You've got to admire their patience. Anyone who can put up with brusque "Which way to the volleyball?" questions in a pile of different accents deserves respect, and certainly not the in-your-face rudeness of a couple of British journalists who turned up at the swimming minus the required ticket and stopped a fraction short of the bottom line: "Don't you know who we are?"
Next up are the blue-clad police. You can get a grin out of them.
The green-uniformed army contingent are dedicated, stern-faced young men standing rigidly to attention or marching in perfect sync around the Games complex.
Try a casual "Hot, isn't it?" and you will not get a "Too right mate, the boss has got it in for me today" back.
And finally there is the serious mob, the heavy-hitters in dark outfits, fully kitted out.
Their guard is never down. Smile at them and they'll think you are decidedly dodgy.
There are eyes everywhere in Beijing and your card will be marked.
David Leggat
Top photo / AP
