Sunday’s championship round started early for some of us. There were bars to be set up, food counters prepared, goody bags stuffed, Bloody Marys to be tested, score cards arranged, course conditions checked, Bloody Marys to be tested, trophies to be organised, hot dog van to be positioned, Bloody Marys to be tested, smoothie temperatures and distribution to be organised and finally, Bloody Mary’s to be tested.

A few keen golfers were at the driving range, which is a long way from where breakfast and bloody Marys were being served. Others were pitching and putting in front of the clubhouse, The serious golfers were having omelettes, croissants and Bloody Marys. The crowd was starting to grow and the room was buzzing, which always seems to happen to me after 5 or 6 Bloody Marys. Flights had been settled and groups were figuring out their starting hole. Rod was handing out the lovely DOGS scorecards. A few late arrivals and a couple of no shows and we were off to start our carts, armed with smoothies and , dare I say it, Bloody Marys, woohoo! Carts going in all directions, very reminiscent of the opening scenes of that high water mark of American television, The Banana Splits https://youtu.be/XMl6HnhFFIA?si=4MayBcNWcWmeEcix. The Splits seem to bear a close resemblance to the current committee.

We had a shotgun start and there was a sea of red shirts spread across the picturesque Pondok Cabe Course, which had been well watered by Indra the God of rain the previous day. Match Play champ, Patrick, was the designated driver and managed to find every bump and crevasse on the way to the 16th and made a few new ones, damn hard to keep the Bloody Mary in the jar. Shotgun start it may have been but 5 flights of Korean golfers playing through from the 15th slowed the start on the 16th. This gave us plenty of time to warm up and listen to Dean’s tale of his new golf clubs. Brand new clubs being transported between Canberra and Sydney and comfortably run over and crushed by Qantas baggage handlers (or the scab labour Joyce replaced the previous professionals with). Poor Dean was nearly in tears as he recounted the story. Well, he’s out of contention I thought as I planned my assault on the trophy. Finally it’s time, The President leads us off with a high and wide, very wide, yes on the other fairway wide drive, on the widest fairway on the course. 18 holes latter after a beer and a hot dog at Hot Hed Dog Bar and beer at all the beer stops we arrived back at the clubhouse the less said about that round the better.

Don’t blame it on the sunshine
Don’t blame it on the fairways
Don’t blame it on the good times
Blame it on the Bloody Marys

Back in the safety of the clubhouse I was comforted by the tales of woe from far more gifted golfers than myself, it seemed a few golfers had succumbed to the wiles of Pondok Cabe which was in nothing short of excellent condition. Bill Lloyd made his excuses finally succumbing to the effects of a couple of weeks of business travel and then staying late at the St Andrews gala. The upside to this meant more adult beverages for the rest of us.

Viboon oversaw a sumptuous fusion feast of Thai, Indonesian and Japanese delights. This buffet was definitely one of the day’s many highlights with people throughout the night remarking on how wonderful it was. Great job Mr Mee.

Let’s get to the winners.

John is this years champion. Congratulations on a fine around and a well earned victory. Net 69

Axel had an excellent round to take a well deserved 2nd place

David, sometimes known as Bags, kept his game together to fend off many others for 3rd place.

Richard & Nicolas could not be separated and are both very deserving winners of this year’s George Bevege Memorial championship low gross.

Patrick is the TeeSet 2023 Match Play Champion

Diarmuid a gallant second place in this year’s TeeSet match play.

Other winners we had on the day were the most improved male & female golfers, with Bull & Vine Vouchers going to Dean. Diarmuid, Rosie and Shinta. These 4 players have steadily improved their games over the past 18 months and improvement is what helps make golf fun.

After the prize giving we were entertained by Chico Funk with assisting singers Jane, Viboon & Craig. Dancing and the serving of adult beverages continued far into the night, briefly halted to celebrate Sami’s birthday. Try as we might we only managed to finish all of the San Miguel product but we still have a few half full bottles of spirits which we may give away in next seasons lucky draws. Half bottles are better than no bottles. It was great to see so many people letting their hair down and having fun, but I believe the Peacock was having the most fun. It was good to see Santi again, visiting from England and Malty John visiting from Australia. Vincent tried all the drinks twice, by the look on his face. I wanted to but did thrice instead.

The Committee and myself would like to thank the sponsors this year. Corporate; San Miguel, Hot Hed, Asia Serv, JS Luwansa, Kojo and the Wine Cartel. Also Individual sponsors Sam Westen & David Baglivo, Mr President.

The President would like to thank the members of his committee, Roger, Dean, Bill, Sam & Craig. Behind every despot is a group of henchmen that quietly go about the business of making TeeSet a great success. A success that has been growing for the last 40 years and will continue to deliver great social golf to Jakarta golfers. We look forward to TeeSet in 2024 when once again we will host a range of events that make golf fun, such as the World Cup and Valentines day. We appreciate hearing from our members to ensure that we are on the right path to keeping golf fun and social. Also a a big thanks to Adhe who keeps TeeSet on an even keel.

UPCOMING EVENTS

This week TeeSet head back to Imperial in Karawaci. Home to the Teletubbies and a ferocious gaggle of geese on the 18th. Imperial has some standout holes and offers a challenge to all golfers bringing sand, water and tight greens into play. Sign up and see if the President is following in the footsteps of other dodgy elected leaders of times gone by. Idi, Adolf Papa Doc and our own Suharto spring to mind.

The following week we head back to Pondok Cabe to join with the Dogs for a farewell game for Sami who is heading off to the KSA for a better life.

On Up

Mr President.

 364 Days 11 hours