Today is the day

Yes, we have the S. There are, I suppose, a couple of reasons one might go with the non-supercharged (2007 models are now turbocharged) model: much less expensive, slightly better mileage (but surprisingly only a couple of mpg more), probably a bit cheaper to insure. However, on a personal level I don't think those advantages outweigh the benefits of the S model. The S is just plain fun. I definitely would have regretted going with the base model. Oh, and the S model also holds its value much better than the base model.

Good move on the 16" wheels instead of the 17". The ride can already be relatively harsh, and the lower profile tires on the 17s make it about 3x worse, they're also a lot more expensive to replace, and the 16s aren't cheap. A lot of people hate the run-flats (loud and hard), but I don't mind them.

I'd also recommend the 6-speed manual over the automatic. The paddle shifters work fairly well, but IMHO, just don't duplicate the benefits of a true manual shifter. If for whatever reason you can't or won't drive a manual, the automatic isn't a deal breaker. FWIW, the bonnet stripes are a moderately expensive factory option and you can buy and install them yourself relatively easily and much less expensively. (We paid $35 for our stripes on Ebay, installed them in fewer than 30 minutes.)

I'd also recommend immediately ripping out the factory air-box and throwing in a K&N cold air intake system. Fairly inexpensive, easy to do and increases the fun factor a lot. Aftermarket exhaust would also be a nice option if you're able (my wife has vetoed the proposal a number of times).

Way fun car. Expect zero buyer's remorse. Also expect wanting to sink a bunch of money into customizing it.

Did you check to see if your clubs would fit in the back without lowering the seat backs?

I briefly considered a Mini Cooper when I bought my RSX, but at the time, I kept my clubs in the car and the area didn't look big enough and it was exposed.

I hope you really enjoy your car (but you should have got the S  ).

The concern about driving like a maniac is legitimate. I've had to tell myself to dial it back on a number of occasions. A set of golf clubs absolutely will not fit without folding down the seats. With the seats folded down, two sets of clubs fit just fine.

I don't really care for the looks of mini coopers.  What attracts you to them?

Walfredo and stroh (NSFET) both nailed it. 

It's okay I think they are cute too. 

But stroh really is more correct.