JIL 2024: Round 1: TeeSet Report
Under grey skies that opened with a few showers after only a couple of holes, the 2024 Jakarta Inter League (JIL) season got underway on Sunday 17 March at Pondok Cabe. Thanks Tin Cups, ably led by Bags, for hosting.
For those new to the Jakarta golf scene, JIL consists of 8 teams playing 5 matches (2 singles, 3 pairs) each round in matchplay competition over seven rounds vying to be crowned the league champion team. For each match: 2 points are awarded for a win, one point if the match is all square and a donut for a loss.
It was a much-anticipated start to the season after an off-season that saw some clubs invest heavily in extensive and expensive recruitment drives. TeeSet on the other hand, had adopted a strategy to build on a 2023 season that delivered some close results, but a disappointing eighth place – the only way is up!
The strategy involved encouraging some senior club office holders to return to the fold to don the club colours once more, along with a couple of astute signings under the leadership of new team Captain, Sam Western and Vice-Captain, Dean Merrilees. The result is a strong squad to draw from each round with the intention to rotate players across the season, in recognition that not everyone will likely to be available each round.
So the first round saw TeeSet drawn against Wolves, a perennial JIL powerhouse. After some mid-week clarification on eligibility (actually ineligibility) regarding minimum age of players (its currently 14), TeeSet cleverly used the no limit rule at the other end of the spectrum to field a forever young octogenarian.
So to the play, two new team members, Daniel Park and Peter Riddell Carre led us off in singles play. Captain Sam, our lowest handicap player, was a late scratching after reportedly having just returned to the big durian, again being called away. In tight matches against tough opponents, Daniel and Peter both prevailed one-up. Great first wins!
Craig Ewers (welcome back to the singing President) paired with late inclusion Shyam (thanks for filling in some ably at late notice) also prevailed one-up. Another great result!
El Presidente, Michael Seabrook (also returning full-time to the TeeSet roster this season), paired with Douglas Ure (another fulltime returnee and possible the only Scot that does not like playing in wind and rain) had a day to remember with an 8 and 7 win. El Presidente broke 90 for the round and had an amazing 47 points for the TeeSet competition run in conjunction with JIL – a great round!!! Well done Michael and Douglas!
The final pairing of Geoff Thwaites (the aforementioned octogenarian) and Vice-Captain, Dean Merrilees (who prepared for playing with Geoff by watching 79 year old, Rod Stewart strut his stuff ‘one more time’ in Singapore the night before) managed to square their match against quality opposition. Geoff did a great job carrying TeeSet’s tallest (and probably heaviest) player around a sodden course, although reportedly may now need some treatment on his back.
JIL round two is now scheduled for 21 April at Imperial with TeeSet stepping in to host (thanks Roger for organising). TeeSet plays Sandbaggers. A reminder will be sent out soon to check players availability.
Thanks Dean for the update on the JIL where TeeSet now share top of the table honours with The Tin Cups. As Dean said earlier there is only one way to go and that is up.
Photos of the TeeSet winners form last Sunday below
El Presidente takes the chocolates with a fairly handy 47 stableford points and the complete disbelief of the boys from Wolves.
He’s just like herpes, he keeps coming back. Well done Nic with low gross 80
Jens takes the money for first birdie.
A surprised Tom takes low putts with 31. The surprise was he got to keep the money.
The Passing of Jaco
Earlier this week TeeSetters awoke to the sad news that Jaco had passed away. JAco had been playing with Teeset over the last 10 years at least. I had the joy of playing with him many times over this period. In his early days he was a big hitter but mainly into the trees and both of us would spend time looking for balls whilst I’d be cursing Jaco was a much more refined gentleman and took it all in his stride.
Jaco was determined to become a better golfer and took the necessary steps by hitting the driving range and more importantly getting lessons and the improvement in his game was very quick. This level of dedication led him to being crowned club champion. He was on the rise as was his game and it was great to see his handicap falling and deservedly so. Unfortunately soon after this Jaco was hit with a serious illness which led to him leaving his position at The Shangri-La but after a long convalescence Jaco was back with TeeSet and Pocksia playing golf again. It was great to have a game with Jaco the little pocket rocket could slam a ball as far if not further than the best. His recovery seemed to be going well and he had just recently returned to full time employment and was looking forward to his new position and roster and believed it would give Diana a bit of break from him always lurking around the house.
Teeset was a much better place for having Jaco as a member of the TeeSet family and we will all miss him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Diana and his family. A cereomy was held on Wednesday and his ashes were spread at sea off the shore from his apartment in Ancol.
Rest In Peace Jaco.
Kojo Monthly Medal Cengkareng
Monthly medal a week early due to EAster Holiday and TeeSet going on the Road to BAndung for the bash. Good numbers or the Medal and numbers are growing for the Bash. Please sign up for both.
If you cannot play in the Bash TeeSet has booked a Sunday game at Parahyangan on Easter Sunday. With RAmadan traffic low it is very reachable from JAkarta with a planned morning tee off. MAybe the best course in INdonesia.
See you swinging
El Presidente
249
Tee Set 