DUEL AT THE DORSET
Venue - The Dorset GC
Winner - Ufaq Qazi (-3)
Runner-up - Harry Gray (-2)
Hound - Guy Calcott (many)
One of amateur sport's greatest ever battles took place one May weekend, the second weekend in May to be precise, in the glorious sunshine of Southern England. All that were present will not quickly forget the determination to win that was displayed in droves by Ufaq Qazi and Harry Gray as they fought the fight of their handicap adjusted amateur golfing lives.
Leading by 4 strokes after a magnificent 4-under-par first round, Qazi was the hot favourite beginning the final round. It was to be a final round which perfectly personified the magnificence of The Jacket as an institution, with fantastic competition, wonderful sportsmanship and great camaraderie.
The unflinching "Crossbow" Gray, seeking to unburden himself from the vice-like grip of the Bridesmaid Curse, began the round like a steam train by birdieing the 1st hole. By the conclusion of the front 9 he had worked his way back to level with Qazi, the 9th hole providing a dramatic 3 shot swing after a diabolical double hit from an anxiety-stricken Qazi. On the 10th tee the fans were frothing with anticipation for the back 9 battle and the third member of the final group, Mark "Shaft" Jones, was contorting with onomatopoeic noises of excitement.
Shrugging off the memories of numerous past shellackings at Gray's hands, Qazi immediately responded with a 30-foot birdie putt on the 10th green to regain a 1 stroke lead. He would not relinquish it as the two fierce but friendly rivals played near flawless golf for the final 8 holes, trading tremendous blows, hitting greens and 2-putt-parring holes for fun, as they built towards an incredible climax with onlooking fans and fellow players positively convulsing with frothy golf mouths.
Adding to the breathless drama there was a massive late charge from former champion Chris Chesterman, playing in the penultimate group, who scorched home with a back 9 of 5-under-par to set the clubhouse lead. After making an excellent par to a rare Gray bogey at the 35th hole, Qazi was afforded the luxury of a 2 stroke lead up the last, which he efficiently utilised by bravely lag putting from 6 feet for bogey to seal The Jacket, his second, by a solitary shot from Gray and by 3 from Chesterman.
Despite marvellous golf a clearly heartbroken Gray had to settle for 2nd place for a third time in four years and the Bridesmaid Curse lived on, its roots ever deepening.
