Gading Raya during Ramadan is a marvelous place to be. Light traffic in the morning ensures an easy trip to the course. On arrival the self-driver is treated to ample parking opportunities in the carpark. There were so many options I did two laps in confusion. The change rooms are empty and the staff in the restaurant find it even harder to hide from performing their duties.

We had an 11.30 tee off, once again courtesy of Ramadan golf season. Players were notified early Sunday to check pairings and tee times to ensure all were ready to play. We had a few match play results at stake and they were given the first flight to hopefully avoid any nasty weather that might befall the day. The Starter informed us that the first 2 groups off hole 1 could actually start at just after 11. This allowed the match play game of Peter & Roger to get underway very early. They were accompanied by Jari who had already had had a healthy dose of putting juice. Match players Andy and George followed in the next flight accompanied by Cucu and Tom. I believe that the first flight was back in the club house before 3 and when we came in at 4 Jari was still on the putting juice and his playing partners were already home. Speed of play essential. First off tee box 10 was the match play comp of Riccardo V Patrick with Shyam and Simon as interested onlookers.

Some of you TeeSetters may have noticed that strange breed of golfer who gets to the golf course and wanders off to the driving range or putting practise area an hour or so before tee time. I have no idea as to what they may be doing. What I know is they are not getting into the putting juice or the friendly pre-game banter. Tom told me that were practising, I used to be a practising Catholic but alas I am now a lapsed Catholic. I never want to become a practising golfer in case it leads to becoming a lapsed golfer. My advice, don’t practise just golf. Anyways, I was playing that day with two practising golfers and another golfer. This being Alessandro & Bags (practising), representing the Golfers were Roberto and myself. To make our day interesting we had a little wager Practising V Golfers just to test, is it worthwhile. The simple answer was no the Practising Golfers had their pants pulled down. Spending more time in the club house also helps you avoid skin cancer. Remember golfers always slip,slop, slap before you start a round ( if you have no idea what that means ask an Aussie).

There were a couple of ladies groups playing today and as per usual they were having more fun in the club house, on the course and back in the club house than what the men were. Silvy had a great day on the course knocking up 45 Stableford points. Silvy can hit a very long ball off the Tee, a bit more competition for the ladies long drive on Monthly Medal day for Shinta, Rey and Anna.

Vijay, Jeremy, Holger & Indar had a very competitive round with probably the lowest scores as a group off the stick. The day was a glorious day for golf with a good cloud cover and a breeze that did not play havoc with your shots. The greens were in great condition, and the little rest we had at the halfway point, as the course shoved a few Ramadan golfers in front of us, was barely noticed.

Lets get to the prizes

With JIL about to start this is not the time to be lowering your hcp. Seabrook takes the cookies with 48 Stableford points. Friendly trees.

Jeremy takes the low gross with an impressive 79 off the stick

Bags takes first birdie on the 8th and manages to halve the hole. Lovely chip.

Low putts Jari with 24. Further proof about practise. You just need putting juice.

New member Rich Blando. Thanks for the voucher gifts much appreciated.

Charity Match Play Challenge

On the weekend of March 22-23 there is a charity Matchplay and BBQ at Rancamaya. It is hosted by TeeSet & the Dogs. The Saturday game is a matchplay with TeeSet pairs V Dogs pairs. The Dogs have been getting a bit of practise in so we will need to be bringing our A-game. We now have a full squad but come and join the fun on both days or just the Sunday for the scramble. We will organise your group if needed.

Please make sure to register on MyGolf2U under the DOGS/TeeSet game on the 22nd. Please register ASAP to ensure things can be put in place.

There will be BBQ sausages after the round and beers, worth joining just for that.

The Saturday night there is a buffet dinner (Rp375K nett)raffle and auction to support the Orphans. On The Sunday there is a Las Vegas Scramble where the fun continues. Get yourself a 4 ball or let us arrange on your behalf. Remember this is for the kiddies who were abandoned by their parents. Let’s bring some sunshine into their life.

Most stay the night on Saturday so book into the R Hotel located right next door to the clubhouse. Lets do it for the Orphans.

Bandung Bash

This great event played over the Easter weekend at Giri Gahana Golf Course is a must play at least once in your Jakarta golfing career. A 2 day comp with some lovely trophies. The event culminates on Saturday night with a fancy dress party with live music. Get your golfing buddies together to join this event. You can take the Whoosh and the Hotel on the course will pick you up and drop you off. Travel like a golf pro. More info here http://www.bandungbash.com/

TeeSet Match Play Championship

The games have started and the results are rolling in. We need to have all first round games completed before Easter so we can divide the winners and the losers into their new tables. Please let Craig or myself know the results of your game. Even better post it in the TeeSet Match Play Whatsapp group.

Last Sunday Roger held out Peter in a game where leads came and went. Andy got the job done on George and Riccardo held off Patrick. The defeated live to fight another day.

This Sunday, Permata Sentul.

This is a course that TeeSet have not played for awhile. I have played a lot of golf here and it is truly a great course. Some very scenic holes a great club house with good food. Best of all it is 40 minutes from South Jakarta. The Ramadan golf prices means we get to play this course, it is normally members only on the weekend and booked solid. Sign up on MyGolf2U and enjoy one of Jakarta’s finest courses.

See ya later

Mister Mister

One thing that Pondok Cabe get right is their clubhouse seating arrangements. The long tables in the dining area make for a good social atmosphere unmatched in your writer’s opinion by any other club in Jakarta. Now I maybe wrong but as you know that is a very rare occurrence. TeeSetters were spread across the tables having coffee, discussing strategies for the day and recounting the big golf happening of the previous Friday. What was the big deal of last Friday? Where have you been? Living in Depok? What we are referring to is the glorious moment when Axel banged in a couple of holes in one at Riverside. A feat that to the best of my knowledge, which is rather limited, was a first for TeeSet. I may be bold enough to say that it was the first time ever at Riverside. I may take that bold statement to the next level and say it was the first time it has happened on the golf courses of Jabobeka. Well done Axel you make TeeSet proud.

There had been a few rainy days leading into Sunday’s round, with the Dogs having a bit of a damp Saturday and traffic conditions throughout the city being pucked up by the tropical downpours. So lift clean and place was announced as we head off to our starting holes in hot humid conditions. There was a bit on the line today with a few golfers playing their TeeSet Match Play first rounders. We had Geoff taking on Hitoshi, Jude tangling with Alessandro, Rosita wrestling with Randy, Tony taking on Emil, and Bagus facing Michael. Read on to the end to find out who came out on top.

The lift clean and place ruling was rarely used as the course in general was in pretty good condition with just a few swampy spots in the usual places. Most of those using the lift clean and place option were just lifting out of divots to place in a better spot. I am definitely not a believer in the lift clean and place option. It wastes time and takes a challenge out of the game. If your ball is plugged on the fairway fair enough otherwise just man up and golf on. I have seen players on every shot lift clean and place basically they are just looking at giving themselves a better lie. Trump would like that.

Right, got that off my chest now lets get on to the day. The four ball of Geoff, Hitoshi Emil and Tony led us off on the first. Didn’t see them again as they were playing golf on speed home in just under 3 and a half hours. Ramadan golf hard to bet. My group was behind them and we played a pretty fast round also losing contact with Cucu and the newbies behind us. Moving along at a brisk speed also was the Vijay Flight, who started on the wrong hole then jumped holes to play the course in a haphazard manner. All in all a very fast round.

Back to the club house and Hitoshi and Tony were into the whisky and celebrating their matchplay wins. Jude arrived from his ablutions grinning like a cheshire cat after a win over Alessandro. It was me Ale who stole your chips 🙂 . Bagus had held off a fast charging Seabrook to secure victory on the last. Randy took a long time to tame Rosita. Tom drew attention to Axel’s glorious moment the previous Friday and Axel responded in true TeeSet style by shouting the assembled a beer. Thanks Axel, well played.

Onto the winners, The winner today was golf great day great games and great weather.

Ricardo takes the chocolates with 41 stableford points aided by pars on the 4 par 3s. Well done.

Ricard takes low gross with a 79 off the stick. He would have taken a bit more cash but we like to share the cash at TeeSet. Well played Mr. Mau.

Tony gets first sandy par on the second hole.

My little buddy Viboon first birdie on the 9th

Low putts with 29 taps of the flat stick to Hitoshi.

New Members

Yere, Jacklyn and Timmy with Cucu the photo bomber

New member Bagus, who pulled the ex-President’s pants down on his first outing in matchplay. Welcome to the club.

Charity Match Play Challenge

On the weeked of MArch 22-23 there is a charity Matchplay and BBQ at Rancamaya. It is hosted by TeeSet & the Dogs. The Saturday game is a matchplay with TeeSet pairs V Dogs pairs. The Dogs have been getting a bit of practise in so we will need to be bringing our A-game. We need a few more players to complete our squad. Come join the Glorious TeeSet Squad. Speak to Michael or add your name to the list on the TeeSet Whatsapp list.

The Saturday night there is a buffet dinner raffle and auction to support the Orphans. On The Sunday there is a Las Vegas Scramble where the fun continues. Get yourself a 4 ball or let us arrange on your behalf. Remember this is for the kiddies who were abandoned by their parents. Let’s bring some sunshine into their life.

Most stay the night on Saturday so book into the R Hotel located right next door to the clubhouse. Lets do it for the Orphans.

Bandung Bash

This great event played over the Easter weekend at Giri Gahana Golf Course is a must play at least once in your Jakarta golfing career. A 2 day comp with some lovely trophies. The event culminates on Saturday night with a fancy dress party with live music. Get your golfing buddies together to join this event. You can take the Whoosh and the Hotel on the course will pick you up and drop you off. Travel like a golf pro. More info here http://www.bandungbash.com/

TeeSet Match Play Championship

The games have started and the results are rolling in. We need to have all first round games completed before Easter so we can divide the winners and the losers into their new tables. Please let Craig or myself know the results of your game. Even better post it in the TeeSet Match Play Whatsapp group.

Next Game for Glorious TeeSet is at Gading Raya Sunday the 9th

We have pretty much a full book but can squeeze another flight in due to Ramadan. Come see the newly renovated clubhouse with its novelty indoor ceiling fountain. Gading is also a very user friendly course with a great layout and excellent facilities. Boys bring your swimsuits and join me for a few laps in the new indoor pool, apres golf.

Well that wraps up the last week’s adventures for TeeSet. Thanks Tom for reminding me to once again congratulate our 1 in 69.000.000 man Axel for his amazing feat. We love beer and Axel.

Aux clubs, TeeSetters !
Formez vos quatre boules !
Marchons ! Marchons !
Qu’un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons !

Glorious TeeSet

Adieu

Mister Mister

The Day:

Week 7 of the season and it’s a return to Teletubbyland, so called because of the myriad of mounds in the fairway / rough and not because of the golfers that play there, though I’m sure if we all thought hard enough we could find a few Tinky-Winky’s and Dipsy’s within our community!

Imperial Klub (with a K), was the host this week, a gem of a course about 35 minutes from the center of Jakarta. Plenty of interesting holes throughout the layout, with the favorites being the 4^th hole with the risk / reward island fairway, the 5^th hole with just the risky island green and the 12^th hole with no risk or reward whatsoever but instead two enormous ‘lady-lumps’ (thanks Fergie), in the middle of the fairway. Play there and you’ll find out what I mean. Solid changing room facilities, half a driving range (it blew down in a storm before Christmas but kudos to management for getting it back up and running, at least partially) and excellent hospitality make this a TeeSet favorite!

After some horrendous weather last week, this week the golfing / weather gods were on our side as glorious TeeSet was greeted with glorious sunshine. A big TeeSet welcome to new members Andrew Humphreys and Joost Hennalla and a welcome back to Le Petite Napoleon Nicolas Verdenal and his wife, Madame Verdenal who have returned from Singapore… already! See… they just can’t get enough of TeeSet Sundays!

With the course relatively quiet and no Wolfman groups (I’ll get some stick for that), the pace of play was brisk, leading to everyone being back in the clubhouse, showered, changed and being served refreshments while watching the sunset over the 18^th hole… which is a far more enjoyable way to enjoy that devilish par 5!

The Play

Plenty of excitement this week as there were some games within the game taking place. The group consisting of Le Petite Napoleon, Chairman Mau, King Dottie Bill Lloyd I and Paul ‘Nickname Coming Soon’ Eckhardt embarked on a hybrid game consisting of ‘The Dice of Destiny’ (rules included for those of you not familiar) and ‘Dots’ (rules not included as I have no idea how it works). After a strong performance by Paul Eckhardt the previous day, the rest of the group were on a quest for vengeance! A lot of fun was had by all and whilst the stroke-play element of the game was largely forgotten about, the men deserve a special mention for their antics on the par 3 5^th hole, with all four taking driver and all four of them promptly plopping the balls straight into the lake, one after the other! There were also some sort of tee flip shenanigans on the par 5’s but despite my journalistic endeavors, I still can’t quite get to the bottom of exactly what that entailed, though I’m reliably informed that ‘havoc on the dots spread ensued!’ Each to their own I guess!

Another special point of note goes to Former President Michael Seabrook. Feeling revitalized from having the survival of TeeSet removed from his shoulders, his golf game appears to have come (back?) into form… at least according to MyGolf2U… His handicap being slashed to 14.5 under the new WHS system, though this has led to significant concern spreading across the face of the Interleague selection committee as his shots were desperately needed with the season commencing in only a few weeks! Seabrook is certain he can blow this handicap out to a handy 24 come the start of the Jakarta Interleague.

For those whose game did not get dicey or dottie (pretty sure I met them in Vegas last year), there was a Stableford competition in play. In second place this week we had Finn Jaakko Valli with a score of 33 points but winning this week, at least on paper, was a man who has returned from Seattle with a pep in his step and a golf swing to match… Axel Hertzke this week’s winner with 35 points! However, it pays to stick around and as Axel had departed, the cash went to Jaakko! Well done… to you both! 

A special mention to Andrew Humphreys, a new member playing the course for the first time, with an ‘unofficial’ score of 39 points as he’s yet to obtain a valid TeeSet handicap.  Get those 3 cards in quick to start winning the prizes!

On the low gross side of things, Axel also swept that with an 80 but as had vanished, that was passed down to Jaakko… but as he had already won a prize and TeeSet really does believe that sharing is caring, the prize went to Jude Alexander who was third best but this week’s gross winner with a gross 89! Well done Jude!

Thankfully, far less juggling / explaining needed when it comes to the skill prizes which this week were dominated by the TeeSet ladies!

First birdie this week was the ever popular and multi-talented Rosie Tjaden, hitting one close and sticking it in at the short par 3 7^th hole. I say multi-talented as for those of you that don’t know, Rosie’s frequent WhatsApp statuses are a joy to behold while sat in tiresome afternoon meetings. Her golf videos (nice new wedge, Rosie) and cooking clips will keep you entertained for hours! I’m waiting for the video of you attempting a hole in one over Arne’s car!

As for the Low Putts, it was Sari Smith, who is not a YouTube star (at least as far as I know) but is very good at putting, needing just 28 to navigate what are traditionally tricky greens!

Sari, Andrew (who won the wine) & YouTube Golfer / Chef Rosie!

Finally, given the fact that Andrew had been left out of the cash prizes on a technicality, it was good fortune that his 39 points was acknowledged as he was this week’s winner of the Wine Cartel Lucky Draw Bottle of Wine Prize… there must be a snappier title for that, surely?! Thank you to Wine Cartel for sponsoring and remember to slide into their DM’s on Instagram @winecartel.id or by visiting  www.winecartel.id for 10% off your first order!

TeeSet Matchplay:

Who has it in them to dethrone last year’s champ, Former Singing President Craig ‘Tinngi’ Ewers? If you think you have what it takes (and even if you don’t, act as if you do anyway), and enter over the course of the next few weeks. Entries will close after the Kojo Monthly Medal at Cengkareng on January 26 so if you want to enter, do so next week at Emeralda or on Medal day itself. The entry fee is IDR100K and full rules, procedures and all the other small print will be released nearer the time, though they’re pretty much the same as last year!

Coming Up:

January Games: This week is the one you’ve been waiting for as TeeSet make a return after more than 3,650 days to Emeralda. Some of the group played there on Friday last week and the condition was described as nothing short of sensational. All the information is on MyGolf2U… sign up as normal! The week after that we return to Cengkareng for the first Kojo Monthly Medal of 2025. Archbishop / Weatherman / Friendly Ghost Ian will be returning from Australia over the next few days with an actual gold medal, courtesy of Kojo / Geoff Thwaites… unless customs nab it from him for ‘safekeeping’ upon landing.

Valentines Day Pairs Texas Scramble: Love is (almost) in the air and February 16 at Pondok Cabe is nearly upon us! It’s time to choose that lucky lady / man / significant other to be your valentine and join what is one of the most popular events of the year amongst TeeSetters! Start falling truly, madly and deeply for your preferred partner and once you’re TeeSet official, sign up on MyGolf2U. More information on format, fun games, (optional) dress code and all that jazz over the coming few weeks!

Until next time… Long Live Glorious TeeSet!

S.W.

Modern Report

The Day:

Game #2 of the Glorious TeeSet 24/25 Season saw us zip down the Jakarta-Merak toll road, turn right at the big IKEA, wind our way through a (rather nice) housing estate and end up at Modern Golf & Country Club. 21 golfers made the trip and were rewarded with a golf course in excellent condition and given the location, free from the rain that had enveloped vast swathes of the city over the previous days.

Modern itself boasts a fairly long course with some testing bunkers, though given the more forgiving width of the fairways, it’s accessible to everyone. I should also point out that the changing facilities are excellent with a jacuzzi, cold plunge pool and a sauna, for those that are interested in such things.

A warm TeeSet family welcome along to Peter Cue who was joining us for his first game (well played and we hope to see you again) and a special mention to the Tjaden’s who had a family day out with Arne (more on him later), Rosie and Jannes (more on him later too) all joining.

The Play:

Kudos to the management at Modern who were able to guide our troop around 18 holes and be back in the clubhouse, showered and changed, well before sunset, which is no mean feat considering that Modern, especially in rainy season, is one of the more popular courses. Further kudos also to the quality of golf on display within TeeSet at the moment with about 70% of the field shooting within 5 shots of their handicap! The Interleague captain is eagerly taking note ahead of next season!

Onto the winners and after being put to the sword in the Championship and again last week, the TeeSet men (finally) roared back into life.

Shooting a nett 72 and coming in third place was the Korean Dynamo and Interleague MVP, Daniel ‘DP’ Park. Arne Tjaden showed sparkling form with a nett 68 to come second but, leading the charge this week and taking the main prize with a blistering nett 67 (5 under handicap), was relative newbie Adam Ross, who has clearly settled into life and golf in Jakarta after arriving earlier this year. Congratulations Adam!

Arne takes the candy with an absent Adam. Well done on a great round

On the gross front, despite the fact that he is off to Singapore soon, Napoleon Verdenaal clearly is still clearly intent on collecting as much Rupiah as possible before departing, swashbuckling his way to a gross 76 to win by 4 strokes over the aforementioned Adam Ross and Chairman Mau himself.

As far as the skill prizes were concerned, not to be outdone by his father’s performance, Jannes Tjaden took first birdie

__ and Mr. Smiley Claudio Ghelli (who is sort of smiling in the below photo), took low putts

Next Week:

We return to the WHITE TEES (see below) at Cengkareng for the ever popular Kojo Monthly Medal. Last season, the TeeSet ladies reigned supreme at this event with over half the medals going the way of the XX chromosome, so it’s time for some good old fashioned intersex rivalry to see if the men have what it takes to wrestle dominance back. Tee off time, as usual, is from 12:04 but get there early just in case we can squeeze off earlier. Sign up on MyGolf2U and if you want to request a buggy, send a message to the TeeSet WhatsApp Group.

White Tee ’25

As a society, TeeSet is always looking to improve the enjoyment and experience for all members that play with us. With that in mind, starting with this week’s Kojo Monthly Medal, for 2025 all TeeSet games will be played from the white tee boxes.

There are loads of really dull stats we could cite about this change (average TeeSet handicap, average driving distance x 28 to give course length, age of TeeSet members and so on), but the best thing to say is that Bryson DeChambeau is a ‘dawg’ and he won the U.S. Open last year by practicing / playing off the reds… and if it’s good enough for Bryson, then it’s good enough for us! He even makes videos about it… check one out below to get you in the mood!

He also made a hole in one over his house recently, though Cengkareng hasn’t given us permission to play the 4th hole over the clubhouse… yet!

Other Stuff:

MyGolf2U / Score Entry – A gentle reminder (please) that scores should be entered by the golfer on the app during / straight after the round so that results can be accurately calculated. Paper scorecards should be handed in with first birdie, first sandy and putts clearly marked to make it easier to correctly allocate prizes to the winners.

Coming Up – As I wrote in the last blog, Christmas doesn’t stop TeeSet Sundays! We have our Christmas Party game on December 22 at Pondok Cabe and our End of Year / Happy New Year Party game on December 29 at Gading Raya. Sign up on MyGolf2U.

Capricorn Birthday Bash Golf Game – For those remaining in Jakarta over the Christmas / New Year period, the Capricorn Birthday Bash golf event (formerly known as Rod Williams’ birthday), is on Friday December 27 at Cengkareng. The first tee-off is at 12:00 and you can sign up on, you guessed it, MyGolf2U.

Long Live Glorious TeeSet!

SW.