Gading Raya – Monthly Medal – 31st July 2016

Posted on August 3, 2016 by singing

The Day

Tony “Tank” Gleeson had a great day to be our July 2016 Monthly Medallist, but the Caddy Whisperer stole the show with a Hole in One…his first in 54 years of golf!

Gading Raya had 144 golfers on the course for the afternoon making it a slow round but we all made it through the day and the very fine course and friendly staff made for a great day regardless.  Tee Set’s 63 players included 6 newcomers (pictured here) and many long absent welcome backs. Rob (pictured second on top) has advised that he generally answers to the nickname “Shrek”.

A highly chaotic shotgun start got everyone off on a range of holes but there were several log jam holes which gave everyone a chance to have a chat.

A big thank you to Jeff Durham for sharing a bottle of 25 year old Macallan with us…well with Malty and those of us who managed to squeeze past for a wee dram.

The Play

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28564545042_74dab2b649_zTank’s net 65 with 43 stableford points was clearly the net round of the day, with Mark Blake coming back with a strong 75 off the stick, after honing his skills on the courses of Ireland….half his luck.

El Guapo took the honours for Low Net A Grade, Jari was unlucky to lose a countback for Low B Grade to Pridsada but took the prize for 1st Sandy Par.

Birthday boy Tom Alcedo celebrated with a great round of 68 to scoop Low Net C Grade.

 

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Other prize winners included Lis and Malty sharing First par Over 30 handicap, the Caddy Whisperer for First Eagle for his hole in one, Jeff for First Birdie, Jari First Sandy and Paisan representing the strong Thai Guy contingent for Most Improved.

Mike took a while to get going and his 11 on the third hole played gave him Most Strokes on a hole.  Monster Putter was shared between Dede and Drew, who no doubt lost the bet to Tank today but clearly still enjoyed himself as usual.

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And now for the skirts, with one flight having every player ready to dress up.  Here they are in all their glory, led by Botak Bushy in wig:

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In the semi finals of the Matchplay, Mark was left to be comforted by the happier souls of Laurie and Jiro after Wina took the honours.  By the time Just in Time Wina arrived at the course, Mark had already had two hours putting practice.

Special mention here to Jiro who is leaving Jakarta later this month after many years as a Tee Set and JLI regular.  Unlike others, Jiro is the last to crave attention but we will make sure that you are sent off in style Jiro.  It has been an absolute pleasure having you amongst us.

Next Up:  Riverside, 7th August, 12 noon, 770 000 Rp

We are back to take on the challenge that is The Shark’s Riverside.  The DOGS have shifted their round to Saturday so the expected clash has been avoided and we should get through the day ok.  Register here as usual. See ya Sunday.

Read down for information on the 45 hole challenge at Jagorawi on 26th August.

 

Posted in Gading Raya, Monthly Medal | 2 Comments

Upcoming Event: 26th August 2016

Posted on August 1, 2016 by singing

45 Hole Challenge, Jagorawi Golf and Country Club, Friday 26th August 2016

45 hole

It’s on again!  Indonesia’s true test of endurance golf.  All 45 of Jagorawi’s heartbreaking holes by foot….well, unless you are happy with taking penalty strokes for using a cart.

This is not a Tee Set event, but it is organised by Tee Set Legends Fernado “El Guapo” Gaggino, David “Bags” Baglivo (he will be nuts after 45 holes :-)) and Billy Lloyd, who doubles up as key sponsor through Asian Tigers, also a proud sponsor of Tee Set.  Melie Dwieputri from Asian Tigers does most of the work though and must be an angel to deal with these three gents.

Print the registration form found in the link below for the opportunity to contribute to the care and preservation of the Sumatran tigers, to win this stunning trophy and to enjoy a year’s bragging rights.

2016 ATM 45 Hole Golf – Player Registration Form Update

Having survived it last year with many other Tee Setters, I can personally recommend this event for anyone interested in a test of courage and endurance….enjoyed in true Jakartan spirit over 11 straight hours in the jungle.

45 hole 2015

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Tee Set v Par 5 Bali – Battle Royale – 23-24 July 2016, Nirwana Golf Club

Posted on July 27, 2016 by singing

Last weekend we had two tee set events: one at Permata Sentul and a special event in Bali, which may have given rise to our first tee set movie.  Well, maybe not if we count the Cengkareng singalong, but that hardly qualifies.  See the movie

Especially now that Web Guy has his drone, this could be an exciting new addition to our reports, as long as the device is not destroyed by anyone doing a Mullins (see glossary here). But to ease the transition, a more standard report is provided here.

 

2016-07-24 12.35.06Sixteen Tee Setters and a number of partners flew to Bali to participate in the inaugural Tee Set versus Par 5 Bali Battle Royale.  Tee Set was captained by the Singing President and represented by a mix of legends, such as the Caddie Whisperer and the Immediate Former Past President of Almost Everything, and newcomers to Tee Set (welcome Will and welcome back Matt who is based in Bali) and new to team matchplay (Lis, Reni and Mike).

A big thanks to Roger Finnie for organising the event and to Tony Franco and his Par 5 buddies for supporting this event in such great spirit.  Par 5 golfers generally play a few times a week, enjoying more freedom than us office bound Jakartans, and it showed in the quality of their golf.  Generally lower in handicap than Tee Setters, and able to play to their handicap.  Some great golf was played on the first day, and we went to dinner battered and 4 points behind after the two rounds of team matchplay golf on Saturday.

A great seafood dinner in Canggu, some pep talks and a midnight nightcap fuelled a comeback on Sunday in the singles.    We managed to square the singles 8-8 but it did not help us to erode the gap left after Saturday’s team play.

Special mention to Karel who won all three matches to be Tee Set’s MVP, including the low net scramble with Matt pictured together below(72 gross for a 64 net – very impressive guys).

Roger and Stuart took Low Gross scramble with 70, Mike playing his first matchplay won his singles in a nailbiter on the last hole as did the Singing President in his battle with Par 5 President Tony in the Captain’s Cup. Tony is still having sleepless nights over the match which is neatly summed up by the TV above the photo.

The final result: a win to Par 5 – 16 1/2 points to 12 1/2 points.  The trophy has returned to Jakarta for engraving and to ensure Par 5 comes to pick it up in the return leg here on our home turf!  Great bunch of people and a fantastic weekend of matchplay golf.

Next Up: Monthly Medal and Tee Set Eclectic, Gading Raya

If you haven’t registered, do so here.

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Permata Sentul, Sunday 24th July 2016

Posted on July 25, 2016 by singing

Tee Setters kicking up their heels to get started at Permata Sentul.

The Day

Permata Sentul1Numbers were lower than usual at 23 because 18 or so Tee Setters were competing in the inaugural Battle Royale against Bali’s Par 5 society at the Nirwana Golf Club in Tanah Lot (special post mid week).

Like Bali, we enjoyed bright sunshine and blue skies. The news from the starter that we could tee off at 11 am instead of after midday was very welcome and allowed all flights to finish in what would have otherwise been a round cut short.  The dark clouds moved in late afternoon and gave us a repeat thunder and lightning show, similar to last week and our terrifying last visit to Permata Sentul, where we were caught in the centre of the storm…but fortunately survived to enjoy the free pitchers of beer.

28452228941_032019070b_mThis time, we were already safely back in the clubhouse when the skies opened up in full force and although most results were in quite early the announcements were delayed due to the downpour on the clubhouse roof making even the loudest loudmouth unable to be heard. Thanks to VP Mel and Brenda for carrying the torch this week and doing a great job.

Three newcomers with Peter, Mariah and Corey and welcome back to Jochen and Kalea after 24 weeks. Jochen did not attract the photographer enough for an individual snap but can be found in the group photo below behind his free pitcher of beer.

After the early start, and even with the rain delayed announcements everyone had finished the jug of beer and post match meal before 6pm and left relaxed and ready to cope with the 2 hour trip back to central Jakarta, feeling nostalgic about only a few weeks back during Ramadan when the same trip took only 30 mins.

The Play

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The Tee Set Matchplay is in the last rounds now and Tee Set legends, Fernando Gaggino (aka El Guapo, fomer El Supremo of Matchplay) and Mick Dodsworth, known for his golfing endurance after surviving a legendary 9 day visit from golfing buddies to Jakarta earlier in the year, teed off together. The match was extremely tight throughout with the gents tied after 17 holes. As they lined up to putt on the 18th green, with Mick being in a better position relative to the hole and looking like he had the last whole won, a bolt of lightning struck ground what seemed like less than 100 metres from the green with caddies dropping to their knees, making sure the golfers were a more likely path to ground for the following bolts.

Fernando seemed to take longer than usual to line up his putt, possibly in the hope that the siren may sound requiring a repeat match next week at his home course Gading Raya. This was not to be and Mick won the last hole to take the match, in a contest that VP Mel remarked was a pleasure to witness with the two great sports mutually gracious and supportive as their fortunes see-sawed throughout the match with not one club broken over a knee or thrown in one of the numerous available water hazards.   Good to hear all are safe and the story had a happy ending.

Some very good rounds, with Divya taking Low Gross with 84 (net 68), Frank winning A Grade and Craig and KK winning B and C Grades respectively. Frank and KK also won Low Birdie but had already collected, making a very happy Treasurer who missed out on skirt fines this week.

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Craig Edwards’ low putts with 30 on very challenging greens was a miracle, especially after a late Saturday night with some fellow Tee Setters, who wondered if he would even make it to PS after his strong performance downing Bintang one for one with others that had a distinct weight advantage.

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However he had been awarded Low Net B Grade so Richard (left) with one more at 31 took Low Putts for the second consecutive week, with his putting matra printed across his chest. Sudhir joined the prize winners above with Most Improved.

Only one skirt to Rolf which is unusual even with the reduced numbers.  Rolf had to go early so missed a repeat  of last week’s shot with wig and skirt, but paid his fine before he left. Kalea (pictured above) was the only fine of the day with Most Strokes, but there is a fair chance the VP for Increasing Ladies Membership may have waived this one as a strategic gesture.

The Monster Putter monkey was still in Ric’s house so no photo there either this week: shared between Kalea and Gerald.

Next Up: Tee Set Monthly Medal and Eclectic, Gading Raya, Sunday 31st July 2016, 11.30am

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Yes, we are ready to start the next monthly medal and eclectic cycle after a temporary shift from Imperial to Gading Raya for the next four months.

This cycle is the fourth after wins to Jan, Fernando and Pascal.

Gading Raya is popular across all handicaps so is sure to attract good numbers, so register here as early as you can to give us a good idea of numbers.

The defending champ and Monthly Medal Co-ordinator, Pastis Pascal is still travelling so the way is open for other challengers to swoop in and get a good start. Unlike other eclectic formats, Tee Set does not discount handicaps so high handicappers have a genuine advantage in this competition, but they have to perform well because we have seen some very low scores across the grades in previous Gading Raya rounds.

 

 

 

 

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Next Up: Permata Sentul, Sunday 24th July 2016, 12:16pm

Posted on July 22, 2016 by singing

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If you haven’t registered for this great course and the free pitcher of beer per flight do so now here as usual. Like last week this course does service well and normally respects tee times so be on time.  Mel and Brenda will be running the show!

Posted in Permata Sentul, Upcoming event notice | Leave a comment

Sentul Highlands, 17th July 2016

Posted on July 18, 2016 by singing

The Day

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Thunder, lightning and heavy rain could not dampen the spirits of the 69 Tee Setters who made the trip to Sentul Highlands, a course that has become one of our absolute favourites and is getting better all the time. A shot gun start off 9 tee boxes helped kick us off but the rain soon delayed play.

While many brave hearts battled the elements to complete their rounds, many opted for the comfort of the clubhouse or better still the pool at the course-side villa, where some loud “cheers of encouragement” could be heard.

An executive decision by match referee and Former Immediate Past President of Everything limited the competition to the first 12 holes.  Sure there were some cries of foul but generally everyone was more than happy to enjoy themselves and multiple prizes helped soften the blow.

Lots of newcomers (pictured here: Frank, Stefan, Rolf, Jetse, Jesus)  and welcome backs including our friends from the DOGS after more than two years, well….. until the pool was a better option (above). Welcome back too Johan – in action in the bunker here.

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And a very special welcome back to our VP Exotic Drinks, who is shown here mixing some killer pre-game margaritas.

 

 

Thanks also to everyone for their patience, to the staff at Sentul who were amazing (!) and to Former President Geoff to ease Brenda’s stress, VP Mel, Lis and Ric as usual stepping in to help out with the admin and some great photos of the day here.

The Play

In the interests of avoiding total confusion with modified scores  I am not going to post the results, except for our booby prizes below, and would rather just acknowledge our various winners.  We’ll make up for it in photos.

So here we go.  Mark continues to play outstanding golf and shared Net A Grade with Mars, Anna jumped into B Grade after winning C Grade  last week and took the prize there too sharing with Manfred and Craig Edwards who had one of his best rounds of the year (and let us know it :-)), and Lis in her first year won Low C Grade.  Ken Runyon won Low Gross demonstrating his Samson-esque improvement since starting his first ever beard a few weeks ago…it is getting thicker and darker by the week.

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Skill prizes were also shared around: James and Axel sharing first birdie, Geoff first sandy, Carm in her first year having her first par and winning the cash and Richard being Lowest Puts…problem was which Richard….at first we thought Richard Mau and celebrated with our normal calls….but then a closer look revealed a case of tidak mau and Richard Green took the cash….apologies for the confusion but you were both great sports over it.

Now for the big ones, the booby prizes..and despite limited opportunities a healthy harvest of skirts:

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….and what a good looking bunch…shield your eyes if you are easily offended.

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Jari had the double with Most Strokes and stood in for Monster Putter Jetse who had already taken off.  Jari spent the next 5 minutes waiting for his new furry friend to answer him back.

 

 

Next Up: Permata Sentul, 12.16pm, Free Pitcher per Flight

permataA late change of venue due to a tournament at the excellent Rainbow Hills but Permata Sentul is also a Tee Set favourite and some come just for the free pitcher of beer that is provided to each flight.  770,000 Rp includes cart.

Sign up here as usual.

17 Tee Setters will be heading to Bali to play the inaugural Battle Royale Cup against Bali’s Par 5 society. It will be three rounds of four ball, 2 person scramble and singles matchplay to decide the trophy….but it’s mostly about fun.

 

Posted in Sentul Highlands | Leave a comment

Next Up: Sentul Highlands, Sunday 17th July, 11.30am tee off: 750,000Rp

Posted on July 15, 2016 by singing

SentulYes, I had to use this photo again.

We already have over 50 sign ups for Sunday including a few coming back after two years or more away, so it is obviously an attractive course.  If you haven’t signed up already, please register here.

 

Gents are off the blue tee boxes, winter rules are in play and flights will start off tee box 1 and 10. See ya on Sunday.

Friendly Reminder

With a lot of rounds being played outside of Tee Set, we wanted to remind Tee Setters to submit all score cards for rounds played in Indonesia to Brenda either by hand or copied in an email to teeset.jakarta@gmail.com. Please mark clearly which tee you played from.

It doesn’t matter how regularly you play with Tee Set, this is a service offered to you so you can maintain an accurate USGA handicap that you can use in various competitions you choose to enter, including Tee Set.

Posted in Sentul Highlands | Leave a comment

Damai Indah BSD, Sunday 10th July 2016

Posted on July 12, 2016 by singing

 

The Day

bsd100716White or Blue

Of course the day started with continuous chatter surrounding the BLEXIT – the decision to move from blue tees to white tees for BSD in wet conditions only, and continued – blah blah blah.  Tee Set’s vibrant and rebellious (though limited) democracy in action: an ongoing dance between the traditionalists and the  changers.

But let’s put all that aside for now and focus on the day.  The decision to play at BSD could not have worked out better.  Traffic was non-existent to and from the course.  Everyone started on time or before and finished well within four and a half hours, even with one or two groups being slotted in on the turn.  The recent emphasis on improving the pace of play is paying off.  Thanks to everybody for doing their bit here.

The storm clouds threatened overhead and gave us one or two drops but refused to open, allowing us all to get through a great round.  Can’t say we came out dry given the humidity, but the fast pace of play, the holiday numbers (22 players) and the weather had us all in the clubhouse, showered, watered, presented with prizes and heading home before dark…a first for a long time.

Welcome to first timer Meta – always great to welcome newcomers to golf and especially more lady members which helps VP Mel’s KPIs – also a big welcome back to Tee Set stalwarts Frank and Anna Wilson after 41 weeks away.

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Big thanks to Beby for stepping in for Brenda while she was away, assisted by Ric and Lis.

 

 

The Play

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Some great sub par rounds for Mark (68 to win Net A grade), Jari (66 to win net B Grade), Geoff “The Caddy Whisper” (68) and the Immediate Past President of Almost Everything with a 69, complaining he hit so many greens in regulation off the white tees, his putt count crept up to 38!  Anna’s comeback round of even par 72 was enough to win her net C grade.  New dad Jeff Landau shot a strong 78 off the stick to take Low Gross, one ahead of Coach Ken whose beard is growing bushier by the week.

In the skills prizes, Tony Wood led the way with the flat stick needing only 28 putts, equalling putting miser Mark, a good effort on greens which are still a little bumpy after coring.  Frank and Laurie shared Most Improved with a 5 shot improvement, not normally enough to win this prize, but enough today. There was no par among the 30 handicappers.  Manfred took little time to get first birdie on the second hole and Ric was to win first sandy on the third hole.  Andrew Waite was a little unlucky not to win a prize but deserves special mention for having two sandy birdies (alas not counted as sandy pars and not early enough for first birdie); the first one being a tap in after a very close sandy eagle attempt.

And now for the booby prizes and perhaps a first, with Mike scooping the pool. Yes, Monster Putter, Most Strokes and the only skirt….Mike could hardly juggle the various props for the photo…keep at it Mike, we will be there to shout you a drink when you crack that ton. As a special tribute, we have included a true action shot…note the tee is still in place a la Justin Rose.

Next Week: Sentul Highlands, Sunday 17th July, 11.30am

Sentul

Thanks to Manfred and Meta for the cracker of a photo taken during their round last week.  Yes, its back to the castle, the fairway boulders and the rolling greens of Sentul Highlands.  The Gary Player designed course is becoming better each year as it grows into its surrounding landscape.  It’s a tough test of golf but the friendly staff, great facilities and stunning views make it well worth it. Register here as usual. Tee off is at 11.30am off Tee boxes 1 and 10 and green fees including carts are 750,000Rp.

Gents will be playing of the blue tees – the Treasurer may do much better this week.  Winter rules will apply.

Improving Pace of Play

Thanks to everyone for improving pace of play but we can still get better, so a couple of positive tips.

If you are unsure if your ball will be found, even if your caddy calls “AMAN”, please play a provisional.  This saves you and others the hassle of you returning to the place of your last shot. If you find your ball, great, continue with no penalty.  If you don’t find your ball, use your provisional, with one shot penalty.

Another rule that is misunderstood and can save time and strokes is the Ball Unplayable Rule (Rule 28).  It is explained in this video from USGA.   The important element of this rule is that it is solely up to the player to declare a ball unplayable. The decision to declare a ball unplayable and take a one stroke penalty cannot be contested by a fellow player. So instead of hacking away in the rough or behind a tree or boulder, wasting time and losing shots, consider your three options under the Unplayable Ball rule.

See ya Sunday.

Posted in Bumi Serpong Damai, Messages, Sentul Highlands | Leave a comment

Senayan National, 3rd July 2016

Posted on July 6, 2016 by singing

The Day

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With holiday season well in swing, a cosy group of 24 Tee Setters joined together at Senayan in the heart of Jakarta.  As usual we were not given any special treatment and as usual several groups were inserted during nines, causing one of our flights to give up at half time.  Senayan was good enough to give them a voucher to complete their rounds. It pays to keep up with the group in front, but even then I doubt if that would have made too much difference at Senayan, hence we have shifted future events away from the course.

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Welcome to Arnaud (left), a colleague of Andrew’s, who joined us and welcome backs to Tony, Goetz, Manfred and Joe after long absences.  Goetz and Manfred unfortunately were in the flight affected by the mid round delay.

For those of us who finished, a good day was had and special thanks to Mike pictured above who generously shouted 4th of July drinks.

 

The Play

senayan2Several sub par rounds with Murcho lighting up the course with a 76 gross, 64 net – a round that included double bogies on the last two holes.  Chris as net A grade winner was joined by Andrew in B grade and Joe Alchi in C grade after a great comeback round of 69.

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Divya was awarded Low Gross but was OB, Geoff picked up Low Putts on the slick Senayan greens, Tom Alcedo was Most Improved and Lis again took out First Par Over 30s, but unfortunately also took Monster putter with a 6 putt on one hole.  The Singing President managed to squeeze in for first birdie on the 12th after giving away prizes to those who beat him to it on earlier holes.

Cucu had most strokes and a number of gents had skirts.  For the second week in a row our Net A Grade winner had a skirt. This week we had it in two shots…notably we had a Ric, Ricardo and a Richard among the cross dressers this week.

Next Up: Damai Indah BSD 11.30am 909,000 White tees

Yes we are back at the very popular BSD so we can take advantage of a decent rate and a great course.  After the controversy on tee boxes last week, a poll was taken and the result was clear, BLEXIT – yes a vote to move from blue to white.

blue v white

Not an amazing voter turnout but considered sufficient and certainly conclusive enough to move to the white tees this week, with winter rules continuing.  There are rumours of a blue tees rebellion….let’s see how the rules of golf deal with rebels 🙂

Register here as usual.

For anyone still in Jakarta this week and looking for a round or two, Tee Setters are playing unofficial rounds at Riverside at 11.30am tomorrow and at rainbow Hills at 10.30am on Friday, so rock up and join if you feel like it, otherwise see ya Sunday!!!

Posted in Bumi Serpong Damai, Senayan National | 2 Comments

Next Up: Senayan, Sunday 3rd July, 11.20am

Posted on June 30, 2016 by singing

Senayan

Enjoy macet-free inner city Jakarta this Sunday as everyone except us takes off for the kampung to celebrate Idul Fitri.  Senayan is a great walking course and forces us to use every club in the bag, the greens are in good nick and the facilities are top notch. The green fees are 750,000Rp (walking), carts are a steep 500,000Rp per cart and beer prices are even steeper so be warned!

Local Rules

The Committee has declared winter rules for this event (see here for a description) – known to most as lift, clean and place.  Gents will be playing off the BLUE tees.  There are also Senayan local rules (power lines and flower beds – some blue stakes free drop, some no stakes penalty drop) so read the score card.

Given that we will be starting off holes 1 and 10, and the front nine is par 36 and the back nine is 33, Most Improved will be calculated as if everybody was starting off hole 1…so make sure you mark your starting hole at the top of your card!!!!

If you haven’t registered, do so here as usual.

Updated Tee Set Schedule

The updated Tee Set Schedule can be found here. Lots of great events coming up.

The Monthly Medal and Tee Set Eclectic for the four months between July and October will be held at the popular Gading Raya. For fans of Imperial, we will play there on 18 September and then intend to return the Monthly Medal there in December after our Tee Set Championships in November.

Changes to the schedule have been made possible by the great numbers causing us to be offered good prices for great courses.

Posted in Gading Raya, Monthly Medal, Senayan National, Tee Set Championship, Upcoming event notice | Leave a comment