Huge credit to Gading Raya for presenting the course in such excellent condition. Despite the rain we have been having, the fairways rolled nicely and the greens were true. The low scores demonstrated the state of the course and the improving standard of Tee Set play in general. Well done all. And of course the fun was still there. People so far seem to be enjoying the choice of tee box, the first group of three teeing off in sequence off blue, then white then red, no dramas.
Welcome newcomers William and Diarmuid, and big welcomes back to Manoj (67 weeks) and Rajeev, Ameesh and Shivashish all after more than 30 weeks away.
Looking at all the scores here, 15 of the 37 players shot par or under and there were four rounds under 80 off the stick, so competition for the prizes was hot. Sami had the round of the day with a blistering 62 including an eagle on the 18th to win A grade, Arnold took B Grade with a fine 66 – clearly working his way into A Grade soon, and Mike shot an athletic 65 to take out C Grade. Richard was awarded Low Gross with 77, after Sami (75) was recognised for Low Net (yes, Tee Set is a net golf society, so net comes first in the hierarchy of prizes). Geoff was awarded first birdie, and James, helping Ric to market shirts here, had the first sandy par. As usual, serial fringe dweller Roger was off target with approaches but on target with chips and putts to win Low Putts with 24. Shivashish was awarded most improved and, had he not won, would have been given a prize for his name alone.
And now for the battlers, Dan has the solo skirt today, Reni and Rajeev had most strokes on a hole but Rajeev left Reni holding the monkey, and newcomer Diarmuid narrowly crossed the threshold to be Monster Putter with 41 putts, a touch unlucky on your first outing, but now we know you!
Save the Date: 8 and 9 May, Tee Set vs DOGS, Rancamaya
In what has become a highlight of the season, we have confirmed our annual sleepover and inter-society battle will be on these dates. The Saturday will be the last DOGS round of their Rancamaya eclectic cycle and will decide the Big Dog. The Saturday night will be our now legendary joint event and sleep over at R Hotel, and the Sunday will be the Tee Set v DOGS challenge, played in parallel with the Tee Set round. Mark it clearly in your calendar. More details to follow on accommodation. Our own MJ, no not Michael Jackson, not Michael Jordon or even Mary J Blighe, is on the case!!!
Next Up: Sunday 14 March 2021, Interleague Round 2 at Riverside
Round 2 has come around quickly after a short and eventful month. Our Interleague troops are ready to go in for us again and claim the points on offer. The combinations will be announced in our reminder post later in the week, so as not to give away too many clues to our opposition, who we know read this.
The normal Tee Set competition will run in parallel. Men will be playing off the white tees. Tee off is at 11.45am, green fees 880k with carts, register here.
If you haven’t yet registered for this week, please do so here.
Please remember to include in the comments box your preferred tee box – white or blue. Handicaps will be assigned based on tee box.
If you have not organised your matchplay please also get onto that, as the practice/bracketing round must be finished by 28 March.
And now, for some business, the Tee Set shirts are available every week for those who do not yet have one at 200k a pop. They are created for the Club Championships and reflect the fashion sense, or lack of it of the Committee at the time. They become important historical souvenirs. Importantly too, they give our sponsors visibility, on the front, back and sleeves. Which reminds me, we are always open to sponsors – we provide lots of exposure on Tee Shirts and on our web site. Talk to whichever Committee member you like the most, or more importantly, you can find, they are listed here. If you are lucky, you will also get featured in the regular blog – that missed putt was brought to you by…….
Monthly Medal is the day about the play, so let’s get into it. You don’t want to hear about the weather….
Congrats to our February Monthly Medallist, the non singing, non whispering former President, Roger, for an excellent round of 42 points. Roger also paired with Mike to win the jailers versus convicts match against two of the three Craigs on the last hole. The frozen margarita was clearly for his third hand, as one was on the beer and one firmly on the shield. Joining him in the winner’s circle were Mark, finding some form in A Grade, Jude always in form in B Grade and Michael ever challenging in C Grade. Matt again won low gross, but we are good with that, because he reinvests his winnings in Japanese gin for the after match, cheers!!! And looking sensational in the signature socks, Rosie won something…as she normally does, not clear from the results what, but it’s a ripper photo!!!
A big welcome to newcomer Craig Stewart, to add to our collection of Craigs and welcome back to Harry and Miguel after decent breaks.
As normal, Cengkareng rewards accurate golf and punishes those of us who stray into the rough. The fifteen birdies showed that opportunities are out there, as did the good scoring to handicap. Like last month, play was slower than what we would like – remember, the aim is to keep up with the group in front, not the group behind you. It’s hard to finish before dark if we don’t motor along.
Individual scores can be found here. Other winners for the day included Richard, quick off the blocks for first birdie on hole one, Sami for low putts, Karl for most improved. More photos of the day here.
And not to forget the battlers….led this week by Michael who needed no wig after months without a trim. Michael is joined here by Matthew and Terence; he also had most strokes on a hole to win the quinella. There was no monster putter as the 40 putt threshold was not reached.
Tee Set Admin
We welcomed Febi today in an expanded role as Secretary and thank Beby for all her hard work with Tee Set since Brenda left us for love. Beby stepped in to help out Ric and we really appreciate it!
Febi will take on competition and event management, admin, marketing and social media, and allow us Committee members to focus on golf. Let’s see if our scores improve.
We are still working on handicap management to ensure transferability across societies so will keep you posted. In the meantime keep sending in your card details to teesetcards@gmail.com.
Next Up: Sunday 7 March 2021, Gading Raya Padang Golf, 11.30am, 850k with carts.
Our previous round at Gading was a fill in for a late cancellation, so the quick turnaround to go back there is to play our scheduled round. Make sense now? Please nominate your preferred tee box in the comments box when you register here.
A reminder to all in the matchplay competition that the first round, a “warm up” placement only round, must be completed by 28 March, so try to schedule as soon as you can. Then start the real battles.
No, this is not the Gading clubhouse, it is the grandest of grand driving ranges, check it out….
With scenes like this the day before, it was no wonder that a few players decided to hunker down at home. Parts of Jakarta remain flooded, including the Eastern Promise pub (again), and rescue operations are continuing throughout the city. In typical resilient Jakarta style though, by Sunday the tolls were already clear of water, the access to Riverside was not affected and the course was in surprisingly good condition. And, after bucketloads falling in the days before, the rain held off all day, and the sun came out.
On a date that sounded like a concert sound check….2-1-2-2-1 (sorry band joke), it was a combined Tee Set/Jakarta Inter League round today, with an estimated 80 players competing, 46 officially submitting cards to Tee Set . Big welcome backs to Tapio and Detlef, always great to see you, as well as Sandbagger El Guapo and JAWS tycoons, Divya and Chris. No newcomers today.
The Play
So……first for the Tee Set competition, which was played in parallel with Inter League. It also included some memorable matches featuring two former Presidents, one Whispering who played Jude and the other, Singing, who played Dan the San Miguel Man. Geoff had three birdies but it was still not enough. After a mix of brilliant and woeful shots, both matches were squared going into the last hole. Dan chipped close and made the par putt to win his match and Jude took advantage of some waywardness from The Whisperer to take the honours there, and also win Low B Grade in the net competition on a countback. He was joined in the winners’ circle by the non whispering, non singing, but always collecting, former President Roger taking A Grade with a Net 66, lifted by his responsiblities of leading out the Pocksia team. Patrick joined them taking C Grade on a count back, a very popular winner, Patrick, is a Tee Setter who is happy to be paired as it suits, and as a result has become known quickly to a number of us for his good company and sharp wit.
After deserting the captaincy of Tee Set to captain JAWS, reportedly in a lucrative transfer deal, Simon led his new team from the front with a fine 76, returning to Tee Set briefly to collect our Low Gross award…and looked rather happy about it in the picture below. Rika, a regular feature in our winners’ circle, made up for countback disappointment in C grade to take First Sandy. The First Birdie went to Dave, who also took out Longest Drive in the Inter League. Mike topped the putting with 26 Putts and topped B Grade scoring, a double top, but missed the B Grade prize to Jude on a countback. The last to wake up, or the Most Improved by 10 strokes, was awarded to Phillip, who returned some of his winnings later for Most Strokes on a hole. Phillip was also part of the most lively table today, featured heavily in the social photos, which are hidden away here.
And now for our battlers, all from that same lively table!!!!! Max with Frans in one of our best skirt photos for a while, Hana joining Phillip for Most Strokes on a Hole, and Max up again (no fine this time) with Dimitri sharing Monster Putter.
Tee Set Inter League Team
Captain Sam was the most nervous we have ever seen him, prowling the grounds of Riverside like a caged lion, having declared on taking the job several weeks ago that he had his eye on the prize. Despite sleepless nights and obsessing over Amen Corner, Sam won his singles (below), leading Tee Set to secure 8 out of a possible 10 points, and move into second after the first round. He then collapsed into his chair in emotional exhaustion, unable to drink the Tanqeray he generously supplied, but with just enough energy to provide some notes, so thanks Sam.
Jakarta Inter League Team Captains line up before Sunday’s first round
Seven friendly societies competed, with JAWS and DOGS joining for the first time, putting some much needed bite into the competition. To accommodate an odd number of teams, the organisers devised an innovative format, which mixes matches across the different teams, as opposed to the old head to head format.
The Sandbagger in Chief, Fernando “El Guapo” showed some great form in the first singles match, using his shots to advantage to take a 5/4 win over our number one, Matt. Our Captain Sam then played Jens in a very tight match, won eventually by Sam 2/1. Sam had never seen Jens’ innovative putting stroke before and thought he was stretching, so was still chatting with playing partners on the first green as Jens prepared to putt. He quickly realised, apologised and enjoyed the show.
Following a pre-season recruiting coup, Tee Set managed to lure Lis back from Pocksia to play in the first pair with hubby Ric. Pairing hubby and wife at golf can be a disaster but it worked a treat in this case as they combined to take a 3/1 win, protecting Lis’s undefeated record in Inter League……no pressure there, hubby. Andy and Dave, in their first appearances with Tee Set, snatched a victory on the last hole. They were giving away a hefty stroke advantage to their opponents, Pocksia’s William and Ruth, but pulled out a stunning upset; this pair of Big Dogs were no sacrificial lambs at all. In the final pair, Tee Set reigning matchplay and eclectic champ, Arnold, was paired with Mike, rejuvenated after practice and intensive grooming by Captain Sam. They combined well to win 2/1 from Sandbaggers Willi and Ola. Mike shot a net 68 and his approach to within 3 feet of the pin on the treacherous Hole 3 – their 16th – to set up the win, was like he was throwing darts. Arnold was solid as ever picking up the holes that Mike did not.
Of course, many Tee Setters competed in other teams, and will be mentioned in their newsletters 🙂
The next round will be held on 14 March.
Next Up: Sunday 28 February 2021, Monthly Medal, Cengkareng, 12 noon
We are back to the great staff and facilities offered by Cengkareng for our premier event of the month, the Monthly Medal, played off the blue tees for men. Because we use a net scoring method for other weeks, we use a stableford scoring method for Monthly Medal rounds….just in case you are wondering…this is how we have always done it and yep we like to be different. Green fees have been capped at last year’s level of 875k, based on walking. Those preferring carts can book directly through the course, but please check before you leave home if the course is in condition to take the carts. It was not last time we played.
According to those who pretend to know, Greg Norman shot 81 the first time he played Riverside, a golf course he crafted out of the forest. He is an advocate for attacking golf, but the Shark may have been bitten by his own course. It has its own version of “Amen Corner”, three holes which test the nerve of every club golfer. However, it also has many holes which are able to be attacked, with plenty of opportunities for pars.
Riverside is one of the best facilities in Indonesia and we get to play here at least six times this year, linked up to the Jakarta Inter League competition. Tee Set launches its assault on the Inter League championship this week, with Sam and Ric leading us into battle. We also have players in other teams, including JAWS and DOGS who are in it for the first time this year. Good luck to all!!!!
The normal Tee Set competition will run in parallel, and will include both Inter League players who wish to join and Tee Setters not competing in Inter League. To keep the Tee Set competition consistent with Inter League, men will play off the white tees and we will follow the Inter League ruling on the day as to whether preferred lies (lift, clean and place) will apply. Please check when you arrive.
If you have not signed up already, please register here.
Quick Update: Rules of Golf
We have written about pace of play before – max 40 seconds to take a shot, play ready golf and all that 🙂 …and…. as we move into matchplay competitions, it’s a good time to refresh ourselves on the rules of golf. Knowing the rules will help minimise confusion or conflict in matches. Going right to the source, the R&A has fantastic resources online, including an online rules academy, where you can complete courses free and get a certificate (more here).
One of the most misunderstood rules relates to relief from red stake penalty areas, and there are plenty of these at Riverside this week!!!! This video from USGA explains the rules well.
With red stakes, you can play the ball as it lies inside the penalty area or take relief with one penalty stroke, from the point that your ball crossed into the penalty area, NOT where your ball eventually lands or rests.
You have three standard options for relief with one penalty stroke: lateral relief (drop within two club lengths from the point your ball crossed into the penalty area); on the line relief (drop within one club length anywhere on a line extended back from the hole through where your ball crossed into the penalty area – note this is often not available because that line takes you further into the penalty area), and stroke and distance relief (drop within one club length of where you played your last shot). If you choose stroke and distance relief, please make this decision quickly, so as not to slow down play. The most common relief taken is lateral relief. All drops must of course me no nearer the hole.
If your ball clearly crosses into a red penalty area from your tee shot, there is no reason to play a provisional ball, but you can choose to hit another tee shot with a penalty as part of taking the stroke and distance relief option. Again, most often, players will go to where their ball crossed into the penalty area and take the lateral relief option. In addition to standard relief options from penalty areas, there are also designated drop zones, intended to help with pace of play, so you may take relief there on penalty of one stroke.
Our first special event of the year, a “couples” scramble for Valentine’s Day. This was restored to our calendar this year after a break of almost 20 years, and was a huge success all round. So most of the focus will be on the day and the “couples”, with some loose notes about the play.
First of all a big thanks to James and Lili “Let your Love Flow” Bristow for doing just that and organising an outstanding event. Thank you, Jane Finnie, for staying up the night before to bake cupcakes for the goody bags – Jane, we had photos of you in the madness of the day but none of them did you justice, so we will wait. On the contrary, we did capture Ric at his glamourous best below and, to you and Lis, our appreciation as always for liaising with the venue and reaching out to long lost friends to join, including from other societies. A big thanks to Bags for donating Prosecco for the winners, even though he could not make the event. The team at Sawangan were amazing, making us so welcome (we love you too) and even washing our cars while we played. Finally to the 42 players who got into the spirit of the event, of course the ladies were the stars, but also thanks to TBS and the other uncoupled lads who were left over to play with each other.
Sawangan was the site of the first Tee Set event over 37 years ago. We last played there for our 30th birthday scramble, and yesterday may be the last time we play there. I think many of us felt that was a shame. The course was a picture (thanks Bill), the greens were true, and the guys got a buzz out of playing off the red tees for a change. Whatever happens, we have very fond memories of our Valentine’s Day visit.
A big welcome back to Iris and Louis, who last played at Sawangan 12 years go and to Phil and Ika, who organise the R&A society. They kindly hosted some of our players at their Monthly Medal on Saturday and it is always great to see them at Tee Set, featured here in action, and later in the winners’ circle.
It was great to have DOGS supremos, JB, Sarah, Rod and the little terrier himself, Craig, join with us, although we claim him as ours too. One of the highlights of the day was when we realised the prize mugs were printed with the Tee Set logo but the text “DOGS Valentine’s Day’. Horrfying to Lili and James but hilarious to all of us and a further sign of the closeness of the societies, particularly during this tough time for everyone. JB pictured here with what will no doubt become a collector’s item in years to come. Our big joint event is of course the Rancamaya weekend, usually held in June, but it was great to play together and share a few quiet ones.
Lots of ladies from the JAWS group too, and a few of the lads.
And now for the play. A suitably complicated scoring system was introduced, combining percentages of handicaps, adding to give “couples” an advantage, adding further based on beers consumed, taking the square root of the derivative of the median (no, that bit’s not true) …. and this is what we got!
Congratulations to the winning couple, Rosie and Sam. We can now reveal that this pairing was weeks in clandestine preparation, and Sami, who chose not to play without his preferred partner, can now discover the cause of his rejection. There were several name changes to this pair along the way, none of which can be published, either too crass or too corny. Sam was clearly nervous on arrival to the course and asked long-time confidante, Cucu, for some tips over a pre-match manicure. Rosie arrived with her eye clearly on the prize, overheard telling Sam on the first tee box to take an iron and place the ball in the middle of the fairway: “Course management, Sam, course management” she repeated three times. She was right to emphasise this too. By the end of the first nine, Sam had sprayed his drives like a Jackson Pollock and was worried he would not meet his quota of six drives. As it turned out, he reached his quota on the 18th, driving the green to set up an eagle putt. According to their playing partners, Rosie was the mature skipper that guided this young sailor and steadied the ship, but both players putted superbly, narrowing missing that eagle on the last.
We sent James and Takahashi-san to the bar, rather than award them runners-up. They were good with that. The runners up were an actual couple, Phil and Ika. Rav and TBS are not a real couple either, so were also sent to the bar, along with a bottle of gin awarded for Grossest, sorry Lowest Gross. Of coure, awarding the guys a bottle was a strategic move, because we knew from previous form that they would share it with the rest of us. Regular winners, Rika and Matt, took third place, and may have done even better but they had no beer discounts to improve their score. Matt asked if he could get Rika putting for him every week. After pictured above exploring his feminine side, Ric is pictured here perhaps overcompensating, as Lis carries the case of Ric’s favourite drop, Anker beer, for fourth place.
Thanks to Bill for leading the presentations, pictured below with Kayla, Adrian(a) and Richard, who slipped on one of his wife’s outfits just before tee off.
Next Up: Sunday 21 February 2021, Riverside, 11.45am, 880k with carts
Our round this week co-incides with the opening of the Jakarta Interleague Competition, which this year includes for the first time teams from DOGS and JAWS. After 6 weeks of eclectic rounds, the cunning DOGS honed their skills and put potential players’ feet to the fire on this tricky Greg Norman designed course, and the mystics in JAWS will no doubt claim some sort of weird spiritual affinity with the Shark. However, according to our own Captain Sam, Tee Set is in it to win it this year. He is crafting a winning combination of singles and pairs and may tap you on the shoulder with a call to duty. Those not so tapped, will enjoy a pressure free round, perhaps playing your first round of Tee Set matchplay. In line with Interleague rules, men will play off the white tees. Always a good day out at Riverside with great staff, an open air clubhouse and excellent facilities. Sign up here.
It’s almost time. If you haven’t got a partner yet, try your luck and sign up here. Not too many people but lots of prizes, including one we just made up – best team name. Make it up together and write it on your card. Your chances of winning something this week are real good. Thanks to James “Let your Love Flow” Bristow and Lili for all their hard work in the lead up. Sure to be a day to remember.
Kudos to the course management for presenting it in such excellent condition after all the rain through the week. Fortuately the rain held off to allow play. A good turn out of 46 players and a very good atmosphere on the course and off. Welcome back Coach Ken and Max after decent breaks and good to see Grant survived the surf and apres surf in Bali, and is back with us for a break.
The photos featured the Seabrook-Wymer family challenge, Ric here pictured doing his best “Happy Gilmore”. Some big hitters – Sam and Adrian – were paired for the first time with former Club Champ Jaco and the less stretched of our Craigs. Striving for some extra distance to match his playing partners, Craig swung so hard on one shot, he clean missed it.
Matchplay Supremo Bags did well to launch the first matches before he heads off this week for an intensive golf camp at Mar-a-Lago, hoping to make his swing great again. We expect him to return to win his own competition. He managed to take the first step, overcoming Ric, in a socially distanced match, played from different flights. They agreed they did not want to get in each other’s head.
The Play
Another big hitter, David, took Low Net A with 70, a reward for patience after several recent good rounds. Emil shot a great 66 to win Low Net B and his match against James 4/2. Dimitri had the round of the day with 65, including a skirt (see below). Overall scores were low – see here – with 14 birdies and 4 rounds under 80, the best being Matt. Your picture with the cash was a bit fuzzy so we found a better one.
In the other prizes, confusion reigned supreme, due to early departures, messy scorecards and Ric leaving his specs at home. Yes, the normal organised chaos. Mike was clear winner of Low Putts with 26. Sami, pictured in the seated pose that he has made his own, was awarded First Sandy, because Sam, who had first sandy was ruled out of contention because he was in contention for another prize, which he did not win. 200k awaits next round!!!
Pictured below as a winner of both Most Improved, through a complex process of calculation, and Most Strokes on a Hole is Frans. He was photographed twice but we like a good money shot. Joining Frans in the battlers circle were Eli, unlucky to be just over the 40 putt threshold for Monster Putter, and Dimitri and Max, brave survivors for the skirt photo. A number of skirt fines are still on account….they go to a good cause…subsidising social events, so consider them a gift that gives back.
In other matchplay fixtures, Axel outplayed matchplay specialist, Jari, 4/3 and Juju topped Mike 2/1. The competition is now off and running!!!!!
Coming Up: Sunday 14 February 2021, Valentines’ Day Event, Sawangan, 10.30am, 315k walking, 415k shared carts (15 carts available), team of 2 scramble off the red tees
The idea of a weekend lockdown seems to have passed for now, but we have toned down the event. As Celine Dion sang as the Titanic tilted, the golf will go on.
No Luscious Love Tones, no BBQ feast, but a fun day followed by Lili’s famous chilli beans to welcome you in and help with the social distancing….plus prizes and oh, treats for the ladies…
Like all Valentines Days, this is all about the anticipation. Intrigue about the pairings is intensifying. Registrations are now open here but we promise we will keep the pairings a secret until Sunday.
Sawangan has a special place in the history of Tee Set. It will be our last round there before it disappears, so we look forward to a fond farewell. A number are staying at the bungalows on the course, which can be booked in advance through Devi on 0812 9504 1383. Phil and Ika have also extended an invitation to all Tee Setters to join their R&A group Monthly Medal event on Saturday morning, tee off 11am.
Time to remind you if you have not signed up for this week’s round to do so here now. Green fees are 850k with carts and first groups tee off at 11.30am. Please nominate your preferred tee box and any pairings you have arranged in the comments section.
Coming Up: Valentine’s Day, 14 February, Sawangan
Roses are red, violets are blue, this day at Sawangan is all about you, ladies.
There has been some frantic action in the early pairings. We have even seen some ladies we rarely see coming along for practice rounds in anticipation. For those not yet paired, enjoy it while it lasts, we can work it out on the day.
With a great southern BBQ provided by Werner Jayson and team, lots of prizes and goodies, and plenty of Indonesian and western favourites brought to you live by the Luscious Love Tones, James “Let your Love Flow” Bristow has put together a brilliant event. Overnight accommodation is available through the course through Devi on 0812 9504 1383. For those wanting to play on Saturday, the R&A monthly group tees off at 11am, so be there at 10.30, introduce yourself to Phil and pay your 50k entry.
Our tee off on Sunday will be at 10.30am, an earlier start for an earlier finish. Fifteen carts have been pre-booked but it is a walking course for those who prefer. For players, the combined entry and BBQ fee is 250k and for non-players, who are most welcome, the BBQ fee is 150k. Drinks can be purchased through the club or smuggled in discreetly. For those accustomed to lavish, subsidised Tee Set events, these will come later in the year, when we are more cashed up with your fees and fines. As usual, everyone is reminded to enjoy the event safely, respecting the COVID protocols. We’ll call for registrations and pairings next week, so you can keep your secret a little longer.
Coming Up: Jakarta Interleague 21 February, Riverside – Tee Set Starts our Campaign
Our Interleague Captain, Sam Westen, in action recently at Modern.
Yes, we can now post videos! Before judging us all on this swing, we must remind ourselves that the Tee Set team will present a diversity of swing styles, personalities and handicaps, but will be unified under a banner of green to regain the Interleague championship in 2021. Sam returned recently from several years away rescuing wildlife to captain our interleague team, and has told us “the team is taking shape, but is not yet final, so if you feel you are discovering form and fancy a challenge, then call me on 08528 045 6768”. He was overheard saying something similar somewhere else recently. Anyway…..moving on…it’s a six round matchplay competition played at Riverside as a mix of pairs matches (fourballs) and singles matches (two balls). For those Tee Setters interested in competing, let Sam know and for the many who moonlight with other teams, all the very best of luck to you, we’ll see you in battle!
Coming Up: Bandung Bash, Easter Weekend, 1-4 April, Giri Gahana Golf Resort
Fancy dress night at an earlier Bash
A tradition of over 15 years now, Geoff Thwaites hosts the Bandung Bash every Easter. It’s all about the fun, with the fancy dress night now legendary. Talk, or whisper, with Geoff about it, or check out the website here.
This is not an official Tee Set event, so we will continue our schedule during Easter, but it’s a great alternative for those who want a change of scenery.
Well done Rika, our Monthly Medallist for January, a great round of 44 points. An all round display of fine fashion and fine golf – consistent driving, clean chipping off muddy lies, solid putting, Rika has signalled that her handicap will drop fast, as she thrives from the competition, especially with hubby Matt – no gimmies in that couple.
A very warm welcome back to Chowvalit, one of our original Thai guys, after 272 weeks away. Welcome also to newcomers, Jake and Dyta, both of whom featured in presentations.
Our photos today tend to focus on the clubhouse, as the course, normally pristine, was a muddy mess. With so much rain lately, the staff did well to keep it open for us. As usual a great atmosphere in the club afterwards, open air, great food and well spaced for safety. Play was slow leading to a late finish for many, more on that later, not the club’s fault this time.
The Play
There were two official competitions, and lots of side shows, going on. In the eclectic showdown, held to break the tie in the last 2020 eclectic round, Arnold came through to improve his score by 4 shots and add the ugliest of Tee Set’s trophies to his 2020 Matchplay win. Jude collected the 200k that he missed out on last time.
The eclectic now moves to Imperial, over four rounds, one competition only per year.
In the Monthly Medal Competition, Rika (above) blitzed the field, hubby Matt won Low gross with a very solid 77, Sami and Lis (pictured somewhat awkwardly here – not sure what’s going on) took A and B on count backs and Jari, who currently squeezes into C Grade, took the honours there. Adrian continued his cash bonanza with another prize for longest drive (255m/280 yards) joined by Juju (168m/185yards). Bristow, James Bristow, took Low Putts with an outstanding 26. Michael, who I think was overlooked on the day, was later awarded first Birdie (cheque is in the mail, mate), after Adrian and Jari won other prizes – his picture snuck in here with COVID hair. Robert (in my favourite photo of the day) won Most Improved (aka Last to Sober Up), Jake took first sandy and Dougie – who left before prizes, I’m told, to get more Scotch – took Nearest to the Pin (164cm/66 inches).
Not to be forgotten, our battlers, including what we feel may approach a record for putts, thanks Dyta, on your first outing, for being such a good sport and getting value for money out of your time on the greens. A very healthy harvest of skirts, four from the same pairing, and Mike taking most strokes, seen here blocking out Ric’s words of encouragement.
Pace of Play: A “Not so” Gentle Reminder
The biggest factor that turns people off Sunday rounds is slow play. Now, normally this has been caused by course management slotting outside pairings onto the 1st and 10th holes at our half way point, but this week it was all our fault, and the marshalls issued warnings, more than once. So, during COVID there are usually 10 minutes between flights. Each group starts ten minutes apart and should finish 10 minutes apart, not 30 minutes apart.
Under USGA rules, which we follow:
Players should play at a prompt pace throughout the round. Players are both allowed and encouraged to play “ready golf” in a safe and responsible way (Rule 6.4b) and should make a stroke in no more than 40 seconds (Rule 5.6b).
Get your gloves on or off on the way to a tee or green. Hit provisional balls if you are not sure where your ball landed. Spend three minutes only looking for a ball and don’t involve the whole group; if you can’t find it, take a two shot penalty and play from the fairway in line with where you saw your ball headed. Aim to keep up with the group in front, not the group behind. Read your putts on the way to your ball, not after your playing partners’ putts. Gently nudge each other along. Walk to your ball, play ready golf. Award gimmies, if within a grip from the hole, or, if your playing partner has already reached over 7, be a bit more generous. There’s no point rubbing it in.
Under USGA rules, stroke penalties are given for slow play, but we don’t want to get to that stage, so please regulate it yourselves. Faster play is better for your golf and it’s fairer for all of us.
Next Up: Sunday 7 February 2021, Gading Raya, 11.30am 850k with carts
Sticking to the west of Jakarta during the rainy season, with slightly less chance of rain, we head to Gading Raya. Nominate your preferred tee box in the comments box, along with any pairing preferences, when you register here. Remember, all through the rainy season, we are playing a local rule for preferred lies (lift, clean and place).
Tee Set 