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.

There you go TeeSetters a view from the other end of Madonna. Notice how the flow of her golden locks envelopes the swell of her right breast? Well I slapped a shot into those locks and being a glutton for punishment took 2 shots to slap it out of them there locks. I prefered Madonna when she had short hair.

Lots on this weekend so will keep this short. We only had 12 players but a poretty impressive dirty dozen as you will find on any golf course in Jakarta on any given Sunday. We had the Finns and Thwaites and Sutcliffe jumping a hole to get the game underway. We then had Westen, Park, Ross and Alexander hitting it long on the first. Bring up the rear of the field were Dougie, Paul Vijay and the President. Vijay may have got a shot off before the round started, but at the wrong hole. we were all supposed to start at 10, Vijay.

A couple of pars and boggies on the first for the rear enders, followed by a surprise birdie from the President on the next as Vijay and Paul beat themselves up on the 2nd of the day. MAdonna’s nipples proved to be unaligned and this was the start of the Presidential downfall, as the rest managed pars or bogies, The President managed a few expletives and a big score.

On we golfed falling further and further behind Ezra’s group. The Finns were flying and Thwaites was popping pills to keep pace. On and on we golfed up and up went the level of steam as the President found fairways not in play and fluffed tee shots. The cussing was only matched by that foul mouthed Scot Ure who was finding a wayward driver caused him to swear like an Aussie.

Anyway the pain was eventually over for the President and Paul. Vijay did his brass matchplaying Douglas, who had a pretty reasonable round. Back to the clubhouse into the locker rooms where a rather large Asian gentleman was stretched out butt naked in my locker section. Leaving no where to sit. I wandered the changerooms wondering what had I done to deserve that. Anyways he final put some pants on and made an exit. The stuff that cannot be unseen in the changerooms of Jakarta golf clubs is the stuff of movies, very bad movies.

Onto the winners

Mikko takes the chocolates with 38 Stableford points. Mikko is in a purple patch of golf at the moment and a lot of the smart money is on him to take the Championship on Saturday. Has he played 5 times this season? I hope so.

Sam takes the low gross on one of his favorite courses with a pretty handy 77. Another one to watch this Saturday as he fights for the low gross prize in a fairly tight field.

Graham stealing the President’s money with a birdie on his first hole the 11th. He’s a good chance for the long drive win on Saturday if he can keep it between the lines.

Well that may be a trifecta of winners there. Come 6pm on Saturday we will see who steps into the winners’ circle and are hailed by their TeeSet comrades.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP 23rd of November

The day is near. players are cleaning their gear, polishing their balls and doing a tee check. Lets get into it.

9.30 registration and goody bag

9.35 Bloody Marys & Screw Drivers

11. 36 First flights on the tee boxes 1 & 10

5pm onwards Dinner, awards and heavy drinking

Speed of play is important as we have now entered the rainy season and we need to play to finish. Looking at a putt for five minutes doesn’t change the fact that you will either miss it or get it in.

Food will be available on the 4th hole supplied by BnV also on this hole there will be Screw Drivers supplied by Wine Cartel and beer from Blue Star AMG

Near the 10th hole there will be glorious Dogs cooked for you by the master chefs from HotHed. Beer will also be available.

On the 17th there will be the final beer stop for some and the first for others. Beer provided by Asian Tigers.

For those using carts the cost will be on your Cengkareng card and you will pay for them when you leave.

For those ordering food in the clubhouse or buying drinks at the on course kiosks this will also go on your card.

For players yet to have paid by Friday the entire cost of your day and the Rp1.900.000 Championship fee will be on your card

Please on completion of your round tell Adhe how many putts you have had.

Enter your scores into MyGolf2U to ensure we have a quick access to the winning scores. This is your job not Adhe’s

Lucky draw with main prize of a range finder supplied by Blue Star AMG plus other goodies

Important prize for best photo sent into the whatsapp group. Don’t send dozens send 3 or 4 and have the chance to win a very nice bottle of NZ Pinot Noir

Most importantly have a great day playing golf

Men are off the Blue Tees and ladies off the Reds

On On

Mr President

34 hours

For the golfer sound of body and serene of mind there is no such thing as bad weather; every round has its beauty, and storms which whip the blood do but make it pulse more vigorously.

The above photo is one taken by a Teesetter at Gading Raya in 2019. Last Sunday it was too dangerous to contemplate outdoor photography So here are some shots that truly capture the terror TeeSetters were faced with last Sunday

You can feel the angst amongst this group as the storm rages over head. If not for the ample supply of bravery juice they would have all surely have been beseeching Hughie, the God of Golf weather.

Some more fortunate golfers made it to a slightly better stocked shelter shed, that also had a range of vaping products, as the wind made it quite difficult to torch an old fashioned cancer stick up.

Meanwhile back in the brand new clubhouse the 2 flights that thought they had found the best spot to wait out the storm were soon shuffling tables and donning the waterproofs as the ceiling started leaking like a sieve and the electrics sparked and farted and fizzled out. Our thoughts were with the building contractor, hoping he had had enough time to escape the country. There is some rumour going around that he is the main contractor on the new Capital City, Nusantara.

A photo of one of the drier sections of the clubhouse.

The day started out in very reasonable weather. A short delay as a two ball playing their final two holes were allowed to play through. Then the first group stood on the tee box and flayed shots to the left right and straight up in the air. This had all the makings of a pretty ordinary round. Jude managed to scramble a boofie what was written on the two Dougs and President’s scorecards will not be disclosed here to prevent further embarrassment. Hey it’s the first hole and none of these golfers have been known to take advantage of the excellent driving range adjacent to the first tee to shake the cobwebs out of their swings. That’s for the realm of golfers who don’t buy second hand balls. Social slappers work their way into the game.

Anyways, with in a few holes the pars started coming, mainly for Jude but the rest of us nailed a couple as we raced the weather. The wind started blowing but we golfed on and on and on then finally there was the siren blowing its warning of an incoming electrical storm. It is important that these sirens are heeded for the safety of players and caddies. A few lightning strikes on golf courses have left stains where the victims once stood.

On hearing the siren we were fortunately close enough to the brand spanking new clubhouse and so sought shelter there. Air Conditioned well lit and lovely ceiling fans ahh the luxury. Down came the rain and lightning and we barely thought of our fellow golfers suffering in crappy little shelters as we purveyed the menu’s full range of eastern delights. With in minutes I was feeling a little drizzle, then the rain was pouring through the lights and fans. Mop boys were called for, then bucket boys. We retreated to higher ground. Sari and the Malaysians found a drier location also, Adhe was forced to relocate also. The weather radar was painting a bleak picture. The lightning lit up the overcast afternoon and the thunder had the locals quivering in fear. Slowly golfers from around the course were making dashes to the clubhouse pool.

Gading Raya was offering rain vouchers for golfers yet to complete 6 holes we were on the8th tee box when the storm hit so were cussing our luck on missing out. A decision was made to head for the exit as the water level was rising and the service was dropping so caddies were paid off and to the changerooms we went. Just then the all clear siren sounds so a quick dash to re-employ our caddies and our 4 ball minus Douglas MacQuarter were charging back into the fray.

Here’s a shot of a few golfers who didn’t charge back into the fray but stayed for some adult beverages in the soggy clubhouse

A light drizzle persisted for a hole or two but Doug Ure was off to a smashing start with a crunching 250m + drive to restart the game. Myself and Jude took a more conservative route electing to drive a bit over the 100m line. You need to warm up again. By the end of the 8th hole Jude was wishing he’d stayed indoors, but in true TeeSet character he battled on and was soon back into par mode. Doug nailed a nice birdie and parred the index 1, to finish in style whilst the President managed a sandy par on the 18th

Back to the clubhouse to see who else made it. Bags, The Singing Ex-President were well into their cups in the company of Tri. The Finns who had started early were into a Bintang inspired warm down. Warming down after sport is a necessity and TeeSet’s chosen warm down fluid is any product from the Brewery of San Miguel when available, normally found in Bill Lloyd’s medicine box. Slowly the survivors came in and it was encouraging to see more than half the starters had hung tough to complete the day.

Let’s get to the winners

Here they all are from left to right. Low gross Ian with 77, Michael first sandy 18th, Bill 40 Stableford points, Alessandro a birdie on the 1st. Missing from this group is TeeSet’s favourite fairweather golfer, Axel, who nailed an eagle on his 4th hole.

There was a bit of chatter about how good Ian’s round was in some difficult conditions. Ian himself was aware that things were rolling along nicely but in the back of his mind was his jinx 76. Probably doesn’t help if you have Bill on the green calling dots. But good golf from both the Stableford and low gross winners.

This Sunday back to Gading Raya, first tee time 11.30

TeeSet Annual Championship 23rd of November Cengkareng

Preparations are well underway. What we need from you is to sign up on MyGolf2U ASAP so we can best cater fro everybody on the day.

What you will get:

1. A competitive stroke play competition on a great course
2. 2 drink stops on course and 2 food booths
3. a lovely buffet dinner with a range of wines, cocktails and beers on offering
4. Music
5. Prizes for the various category winners
6. Lucky draw prizes including a range finder
7. A special prize for the golfer who submits the best photo of the days action
8. Did I mention lots of after golf adult beverages
9. Goody bag
10. Meet the new President

A day you do not want to miss.

Now for something completely different

I am looking at starting a midweek comp based out of Fluid Force Golf with Gavin Webb. 9 hole comp on a predetermined course. You will be able to drop in at anytime and play your nine holes, with friends or by yourself, the leaders will be viewable on the leaderboard.

Opposite Fez Kemang https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcCPCDAcG2STZaeM7?g_st=iw

Stay tuned for more information.

Sorry about the late arrival of Jakarta’s most read golfing blog but it was truly a busy week.

Sayonara

だいとうりょう

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