Some old, some new, some borrowed,, some, errrr, pink …

The day

A very healthy 45 Tee Setters rolled up on the hottest day of the year so far to take on the challenge of one of our favourite courses, Palm Hills. Registrations were up to 56 at peak but a variety of causes, from illness to business conflicts and tsunamis in the Philippines, adversely affected the final roll call.

A rumour was running hot that, having registered, our prodigal son Sam Westen was going to make a rare appearance but, alas, it was not to happen.

A high-five Newcomers to welcome to Tee Set, however, and some huge Welcome Backs, both influenced by today being a break in the DOGS calendar of events – leaving some of them in dire need of a round.

DOGS are always welcome to join us of course – and the course management like you coming along too as you invariably raise the average beer consumption per head significantly 🙂

Maybe there’s something to this Tee Set lark .. Ian  practising “leaning in” ….

Welcome or Welcome Back to them all as appropriate, not least to Ian Smith DOG who appears  to have lost our address as it is some 876 weeks since he last joined us – that is mid-1998 for those possessed of a rusty 52 times table.

Some of those DOGS were unhappy that we don’t recognise handicaps from that august institution – guys, we have to tell you that Tee Set doesn’t accept handicaps from anyone, including the Royal and Ancient itself; so live with it – and instead send us four cards for rounds played in the Jakarta area in the last three months – and you will have a shiny new Tee Set handicap next time you play with us!!

While we got away a little early, play was to be less than brisk with around five hours being the norm – though thankfully the sun later got subjected to some cloud cover that enabled the second nine to be played in the most delightful of conditions and, even though there was a little threatening thunder, we were not to see any rain until all were safely back in the clubhouse; a clubhouse resembling a building site in parts, but a building site which functioned efficiently as always with its gorgeous staff, though finding the changing rooms and getting a locker proved something of a challenge for many.

With the singing President arriving late after wedding duties in Depok, the Former President of Almost Everything was called upon to make an executive decision to bring back into play the second rule of Tee Set. That is “play it as it lies.” There were quite a few grumbles from the lift clean and cheat brigade but the wry smile of satisfaction on the FPAE’s face said it all.

There was total chaos just before noon when carts/caddies were in short supply and golf bags were spread far and wide between the caddy shack and player assembly area, but all was forgiven when the sanctuary of the club house was reached after the round.  The exorbitant price of beer was to dampen proceedings only a little though, and certainly not enough to worry the restaurant management into lowering their prices. Of course the salary of all those pretty waitresses has to come from somewhere.

Did we mention the staff? … wow, their new outfit is even higher up the thigh than their previous one and proved something of a distraction to rational thought for the committee at least, delaying announcement of the awards by at least 10 minutes.

The play

Simon Reynolds had his usual steady day at the office to take low gross – with Sam’s no show that spot was never to be in jeopardy. Chris and Ric made welcome returns to form taking ‘A’ and ‘B’ Low Net while Lina smashed her handicap by 8 strokes to take ‘C’ Low Net and lowest of the day by some way, well done Lina!!!

Chris Chan will remind us next week of his brilliant putting form from the week before which will pay his next entrance fee. Doug, Bags, and James picked up money while Luiz pulled back a win to take first par over 30 to offset some of his fines.

The treasurer was happy after first selling 5 shirts but then collecting 6 skirt fines was icing on the cake. Rina took monster putter but we decided she didn’t have to wear the mask for obvious reasons while James Ross came out all square on the day after achieving a full house of prizes and fines.

More detailed, player by player, results can be seen here while more photos of a fine day are on the Tee Set Gallery.

Tee Set Matchplay Championship

Sofree Abdul beat last year’s champion, David Baglivo in a tight match going 1 up. Rather clever of David to lose this match since he knows that the overall winner always comes for the Kuning side of the draw.

Chris Smith did well to beat a wounded Billy Lloyd although he did need the last hole to do it.

Alistair Livingston didn’t bring his A game but his B game was enough to take out an erratic Bushy by 3 and 2.

Still a few games remaining to be played in round one so please, all those who have yet to get started, shake a leg or two and get them out-of-the-way before the end of the month or Fernando “Attila the Hun” Guapo will be heavily on your case.

Rancamaya “stay and play” weekend

Pleased to report that 25 Tee Setters have already signed up for the Rancamaya Weekend with 35 pax so far including non-playing partners and kids.

Looks like it is going to be a big one – and the Treasurer has finally agreed that we will be having a Tee Set “Bouncy Castle” for the weekend – so long as we get 10 kids along! Four Tee Setters today promised to be kids and use the Bouncy Castle and, while this would get us over the line, the Treasurer declared them not to be kids despite all the evidence to the contrary.

Also lined up now is a golf clinic from a renowned expat professional from 8.30-11am – and the Singing President was muttering something today about a chipping competition also, so there will certainly be no lack of activity. Some of us will of course maintain the habits of a golfing lifetime and instead enjoy the stunning views of Mount Salak while taking breakfast on the clubhouse terrace.

Go here now to get more info and sign up for the weekend if you haven’t already done so, it promises to be an event second only to the Tee Set Championship in our calendar.

Next up

A return to the much improved and increasingly appreciated Pondok Cabe  next Sunday when your wallet will be able to recover from the shock of Palm Hills beer prices – as well as smile at the sensibly priced green fees of 520,000 all in – or just 410,000 walking.

While we are enjoying the delights of Pondok Cabe, the Interleague team will be hoping to continue their dream start to the season by beating the POCSIA team. Good luck to them as, not least, the Former President of Almost Everything is promising a blow-out Tee Set party should we achieve the never before achieved – and take the title!

Tee off at Jagorawi will be rather earlier at 9:30 as (almost) ever in a shotgun start for the Inter-league team and with green fees of 1,050,00 roops all in. There is also a 50K payment to the Interleague to cover the prize-winning event and b-b-q in November.

Sign up here to join in the fun of either event and, if you are available for selection for the Interleague team, then please indicate this  in the comment section of the form. Those selected to play Interleague will be advised by Captain Ric later in the week.

See ya on Sunday! …. Tee Set

PS and the caddies weren’t too shabby either, sorry about the book ends though 🙂