The day

Again the smooth run in to the BSD course from Jakarta allowed many Tee Setters to arrive in time for breakfast and some practice.  For many of us this was our first chance to play this excellent Jack Nicklaus designed course, thanks to our Ramadan discount from the usual 2m Rp green fees.  The 32 players were also treated to a rare early tee off, again thanks to Ramadan and a Starter so organised he had two capable Assistants and was calling players to the tee before they had even arrived at the course.

Once again we debated switching from blue to white tees given the length of the course, but decided change was all too late and too hard, given handicap calculations and resigned to cope with the inevitable whinges whatever was decided.  The big hitters puffed out their chests and took on the challenge with gusto, while those with less length compensated with guile and strategy.

Rain threatened, but all that came down were a few cooling drops, and the sky opened up to provide a sunny but comfortable afternoon for golf.  While a few groups were slipped in at the turn, all rounds were completed in around 4 hours, with carts being allowed on the fairways, thanks again to Ramadan.

The early finish provided time for enjoying the BSD facilities before another quick run home, or in the case of a rowdy few, to Jaya Pub where the Singing President was forced to earn his title….again.

Follow the link for the pictures of the day:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/106229755@N06/sets/72157655742525906

The play

Joseph Pires welcome back after 31 weeks guaranteed a low gross score under 80, which we have indicated is an expectation now, to motivate our A Graders.   But clearly the highlight of the day in the same flight was our first eagle for many rounds thanks to a Hole-in-One on the 11th by Dave “Bags” Baglivo.

According to witnesses, the shot was a five iron which followed a high draw trajectory before landing inches from the hole and bouncing in.  Hang on….Bags hitting a high draw….further probing questions were asked and it was confirmed that our reigning Matchplay Champion has a new weapon in his arsenal, to add to that mighty power fade (vicious slice).  Well done Bags and thanks for the beers.

In what may be a first, all skirts came from the same table, only 4, with “Pastis” Paskal declaring to playing partners on the 18th tee that he had managed the round without one…a little premature.

Monster putter was not awarded, as the Singing President sheepishly explained the threshold of 40 was not reached, and was subsequently exposed by the Former President of Almost Everything as having 39 putts.  Interestingly one of those putts was off the green, prompting Graham to clarify a Tee Set rule of days yore, that putt counts do not start again if a player putts from the green to off the green.  Not that it should happen….James Ross carded a very honest 13 strokes on the last hole after being out-of-bounds and in the water twice.

In a tough day for the Treasurer, a lot more prizes were given out than fines received, with Interleague star Anlo continuing his fine form with first birdie on the 3rd hole, Interleague captain Ric claiming first sandy on the 2nd hole and of course Interleague competitor Bags claiming first eagle for his hole-in-one.  Matt won his skirt money back plus 50 by having first par over 30 handicap, and Fernando “El Guapo, Supreme Commander of Matchplay” had Most Improved with 7 strokes.

C Grade Low Net  was won by Daniel with an excellent round of 3 under handicap 69, Chris Smith found some form to snatch Low Net B Grade with a nett par 72 from evergreen Former President Geoff, who had to leave early after consuming some expired beer he had brought from home.  Who would have thought it would have lasted that long….an exception to the one prize only was made to recognise Bags with a nett 70 and of course that  Hole-in-One eagle.

Next up

On the basis of what was felt to be an excellent suggestion to the Committee from Grumpy that we try to play top courses twice in consecutive weeks if we can, we approached BSD for a booking next week but they would not offer the same rate, so we have stuck with our scheduled course of Halim 1.  Hardly a comparison, but certainly a favourite of Vice President for Golf Economics Simon who has a penchant for quirky tracks, and, if its anything like our Halim 2 experiences, it will deliver a great day out.h

See ya at Halim where the green fees are a bargain basement 466K for this walking only course and a relaxing 12 noon tee off …. sign up here as usual. … Tee Set