Gradish, Parker competing in World Amateur Match Race Dubai qualifier

Chris Parker tees off during a golf-based vacation in Scotland. He and partner Andrew Gradish will be playing in a World Amateur Match Race, Dubai qualifier Tuesday, October 13 at Lionhead Golf Club. (Contributed photo)

Jeff Tribe, Post Correspondent

“Ten teams and one’s going to Dubai. Eighteen holes.”

Succinct though it may be, Andrew Gradish’s summation accurately describes the mixed World Amateur Match Race (WAMR) challenge/opportunity lying before he and partner Chris Parker.

“We’re a far cry from where we were two years ago,” Gradish added with a laugh. “Couldn’t win a match.”

In more depth, the pair have qualified for the WAMR National Final, Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Lionhead Golf Club, Brampton. They and nine other two-member teams will tee off between noon and 12:40 p.m. for 18 holes of best ball stroke play competition. Each player plays their own ball, with the best net score recorded per hole.

“Play your own ball, it’s still golf,” said Gradish.

Net score is calculated in conjunction with their personal index or course handicap, a mathematical calculation taking in past scores relative to course difficulty. The winning team qualifies for the WARM World Final, April 2027 in Dubai, qualification that includes three days of championship golf, five nights of hotel accommodation and an official yacht party.

Childhood family friends, Gradish and Parker have enjoyed playing golf together for years, more seriously over the past several, including a links-based trip to Scotland around the 2024 British Open at Troon, Scotland. They first entered WAMR competition two years ago, signing up again this spring.

“It adds a bit of challenge to your regular round and you get to meet a lot of new people,” said Parker.

Gradish has played over 50 rounds this year, establishing an impressive 2.4 index. Parker’s stands at 26, which does allow more room for favourable score adjustments. Their bracket included competitors from Kincardine, Woodstock, Sarnia and Windsor, under a double-knockout format. They opened with two wins, dropping their third match before rebounding for a rematch against the team they had lost to earlier.

“It rained the entire day,” recalled Gradish. “We were absolutely soaked when we were done.”

“It was probably the most miserable weather I’ve ever been out in,” Parker agreed.

They were playing against a pair of ‘good guys and good players’ said Gradish, their opponents leading for the great majority of the match. Parker carded net birdies on the 14th and 15th, with their competitors taking a one-hole lead heading into the 17th. Gradish responded with a birdie on the 17th to tie however, completing the shared come-from-behind victory with a birdie putt on the 18th. His third shot was the key, a two-iron from 228 yards he stuck within 15 feet of the flag.

“And made the putt.”

A unique life experience will be on the line at Lionhead, irrespective of which, Gradish is looking forward to playing the course.

“That will be a treat in itself.”

“Just looking forward to it,” agreed Parker. “Looking forward to having some fun.”

There is pressure continued Parker, whose goals are to put forth their best effort and card a decent score.

“It’s up for grabs, it all depends on who has the best day.”

“We’ll be there competing against 18 other guys for a chance to play golf on the other side of the world,” Gradish concluded. “If you’re not excited, you’ve got a problem.”