James scored well all day

The Day

The day that had everything with the drama starting with a very late tee off as the Starter over-loaded the course once again while our backs were turned and, not for the first time, forfeited his two redbacks.

Despite our regular Pawang Hujan being at the forefront of the groups, he was to forfeit his redbacks too as we got hit by very heavy rain around the turn.

The Spartans in group 2 felt the pelting rain was an improvement on conditions in their home courses of Scotland, New Zealand, Switzerland and Tasmania respectively, and proudly (some might say obliviously) played through it.

Of the many who opted for shelter, those with the time and the patience were rewarded as Matoa, in common with most of the courses we play, has a most astonishing ability to turn from being a lake to lovely playing conditions in less than an hour – and the 14 out of a great turnout of 42 Tee Setters who bailed out for an early shower missed idyllic playing conditions on the back nine.

The Spartans took great honour in calling the group led by the SP for slow play after they ran for shelter and fell 8 holes behind. The inseparable King and Pascal followed not far behind and the last group had to use their flashlights to find their way to the clubhouse.

Just one Newcomer to report this week in Paul Humphries.

A warm welcome – and enjoy your golf with Tee Set, Paul.

A big Welcome Back to Bob McLeod who carded a strong 84 with three birdies – and Nicky Moir making his third escape of the Winter from the frozen wastelands of Aberdeen to win longest drive and get some colour into that peely wally Scottish body of his!!

Dave Shenman was farewelled a week after his wife On, as he returns to the bull ring of the Honiara Golf Club in the Solomon Islands.

Following the fine example of his fellow Spartan Nicky Moir, Dave promises to come back whenever he possibly can.

The Play

James Ross’s mind boggling  42 Stableford points in the conditions was the only round of the day to exceed Stableford “par” of 36 points. Where did that one come from, James, we guess you got that driver under control!!

James also demonstated the advantage of Stableford by winning despite also taking the “prize” for Most Strokes on a Hole with 11. That may very well be a unique combination.

As Monthly Medal Winner, James gets a coveted place on the handsome Tee Set shield of course.

Simon Reynolds again took out Low Gross of 80 with an excellent back nine recovery following the rain break. A number of Tee Setters tied for Low Net with prizes being awarded to those actually still there for the awards – Tee Set stalwarts Evaldo, Tom, Cucu and John sharing the winnings.

The Singing President and the Grumpy Pirate tied for closest to the pin, to the centimetre, with the SP offering to share some of Santi’s pies with Graham when he sees him next, if he doesn’t eat them first.

Nicky Moir won longest drive with a power packed 260m on a wet course while our very own pocket rocket, Barbora, landed 210m out and right on the centre line.

Three skirts on the day and, in what must surely be a first, a 100% turnout for the cross-dressers walk of shame. Well done, all three of you!

Fuller, player by player results here and more photos of a rainy day on the Tee Set Gallery.

Blue Tees or White Tees?

While keeping it simple is a key to Tee Set’s success, we are also committed to providing Tee Setters with the most enjoyable golf possible.

After reviewing the results of the recent survey and consulting with many Tee Setters, the Committee has decided that on a few nominated courses, based on distance and difficulty, ALL men will play off the white tees.

In addition, players with handicaps of 25 and above and players over 65 in age can also make a one time election to play off the white tees on all courses. Handicaps are of course adjusted based on the tee of course

Next Up

On our schedule page we mention that “This can move about a bit – and sometimes at relatively short notice” and its underlying wisdom is proven yet again this week as we take the opportunity to swap dates between Kedaton and Riverside with the latter becoming our venue next Sunday.

Little to be added that hasn’t already been said about Riverside, a course in the very top ranks hereabouts with its superb mountain backdrop, many challenging holes and immaculate clubhouse facilities.

Tee off from 1 and 10  at 12:00 at a rate provisionally set at 850,000.

A cart only course and we will advise the final rate on Thursday after the VP of Golf Economics has concluded negotiations. Sign up here, don’t miss a truly delightful course.

See ya down by the Riverside! …. Tee Set