Two men went out to play in this year’s edition of the TeeSet Matchplay final. One stroke separated them on paper, as they head to the 1st tee box under the watchful eye of Roger. Diarmuid or Patrick, Patrick or Diarmuid? These were the whisperings amongst the other TeeSetters in the clubhouse prior to the game. Well it was mainly about the price of tea in China, but maybe some poor soul had those thoughts. Anyways, Diarmuid looked resplendent in his 2022 TeeSet Championship shirt whereas Patrick a tad dated in his 2021 version. But we aren’t here to discuss fashion its all about the golf. Patrick headed off high as a kite on horse tranquilizers which were to keep his back pain under control or maybe it was to deflect the pain of falling to the Irishman.

Diarmuid, was off to a steady start, getting a couple of holes up but the tenacious Englishman was showing his bulldog courage and was sticking closer than a poor relative. Too & fro the titanic struggle went, neither player conceding an inch and neither finding the winning break. Would the horse tranq last 18 holes, would Diarmuid be blessed with the luck of the Irish? Stay tune until the next paragraph.

Tension is mounting and riding away. Now that Tension has left let’s get back to the golf. Drink stops were passed and beers declined. I for one would have loved to have seen Patrick on horse tranqs and beers, I digress. Coming down the home straight and Diarmuid is 1 up with 2 to play. Diarmuid watches as Patrick slaps his tee shot into a greenside bunker, he’s tasting victory all he needs is a steady hand from here. Awas! Patrick blasts it out of the bunker and nails a sandy par. All square one to play. Patrick leads off with a lovely pull into a flower bed, Diarmuid is doing an Irish jig, no arms. Sure he can do better than that and indeed he could, 5 metres further up same flower bed. The Irish truly are a sporting folk not wanting to take an unfair advantage.

Onto the green, putting to win the match, on the last hole, with the last stroke of the day and in it goes, we have a winner! See photo below. Congratulations lads on a fantastic game played in beautiful sportsmanlike conditions.

The TeeSet Championship

This Sunday we venture to Pondok Cabe to crown a new Champion or watch and old Champ stamp his mark on the Society. Below is the format of the day

Registrations start from 10.30 am. When you receive your Asian Tigers Bag, if you have yet to pay your Rp800,000 event fee, you will be asked to pay then. If you are asked to pay and you have already paid please have ready proof of payment to avoid delays. When organising a large group such as this there is always a few hiccups. Green fees are Rp750,000 walking Rp800,000 shared cart.

A light Brunch with Adult Beverages will be served from 10.30 am

At 12 pm you will be asked to start making your way to your assigned tee box for a shotgun start at 12.30 pm. Hotdogs and Smoothies will be available on the course. Beer is sold at the kiosks at very friendly prices and keeps the locals happy. If you are in a cart, some of them don’t have the best brakes so be careful.

A sumptuous Thai Buffet meal will be served followed by trophy presentations. During the meal a variety of Adult Beverages will be available, including a limited supply of Presidential Mai Tais to complement the San Miguel beer, wine, gin, daiquiris and margaritas. BYO bucket

After the presentations, the hippest group, Chico Funk, will be playing tunes until late, so strap on your dance shoes and strut your stuff.

The Committee and myself look forward to meeting you on Sunday and a big thank you to our sponsors, San Miguel, Hot Hed, Asia Serve, JS Luwansa, Asian Tigers, Kojo and the Wine Cartel. We would also like to thank John Brown and Rod Williams from The D.O.G.S. for allowing us to share this day with them.

Adios and into the sunset

Mr President.