The Xerox Emirates General Manager on the 20th anniversary of the Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge, the dream of golfing in Japan during next year’s Rugby World Cup and his frustrating bid to break 80 on Earth.

Interview by Kent Gray

The Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018, some achievement given the Desert Classic is only a decade older. What’s been the key to its survival as an amateur icon?
The tournament has evolved, like the game, across the region. The opening of exciting and challenging new courses, supported by an increase in active players has enabled us to continually reach new participants whilst maintaining contact with returning players. It is always exciting to move the XCGC to new venues and tweak the format to stay relevant.

What new XCGC innovations and experiences can we look forward to in 2018 to mark the milestone?
To celebrate our 20th year we are looking at providing more than a corporate golf tournament. We want the XCGC to provide memorable and engaging moments as well. So, we will be incorporating various elements, on and off the course, that will provide integral network and business opportunities, as well as host an engaging, entertaining post-play evening for our competitors.

What’s the standout memory for you personally over the first 19 years of the XCGC?
I think the very first year was outstanding and firmly put us [Xerox] on the corporate golfing map,  especially with having two Emiratis in Ismail Sharif and Jamal Al Mana take out the title.

Tell us about your highlight round in the past 12 months?
Actually, my most memorable round was a game of two halves. I had a shocking front nine on the Earth course at JGE and came in with a 39 on the back! Then the very next round it was the opposite – 40 on the front and a nightmare on the back. I’d like to think that one day I might be able to put the two nines together and finally break 80!

Xerox Emirates has remained loyal to golf while other sponsors have fallen by the wayside. What’s the attraction from a business standpoint?
A long-standing belief behind the XCGC is our commitment to the concept of doing business, where relationships are the cornerstone of the sustainable long-term business. Golf has always been the No.1 sport to provide this given the timeframe to support such a commitment.

Before last season’s XCGC, we pressed you for the best country you’d golfed and if you had any bucket list destinations?
Scotland got your vote for the former but you left us hanging on the latter? Where would you love to golf?  I think I would have to say Japan. It is a golf-mad country and I think it would be an amazing experience. Perhaps I might get my chance as they are hosting the Rugby World Cup next year so I might be able to combine two of my favourite pastimes.

The 20th XCGC starts and finishes at Jumeirah Golf Estates this year. How lucky is the series to have such world-class venues to return to year after year?
We are extremely privileged to have such incredible venues within reach. Jumeirah Golf Estates is an amazing facility, and to have our event begin and end at the home to the Race to Dubai is outstanding and something that we are extremely proud of.

Will Tiger win another major?
A few years ago I would have said I don’t think so but his recent form and consistency would say he has definitely got it in him. I do think the game has moved on and the number of world class golfers will make it much harder.

Visit xeroxcgc.com for the full schedule of 20th anniversary XCGC events and online entry details. And stay tuned to golfdigestme.com for full coverage.

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1. The Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge has just begun its 19th season, an achievement to be proud of. What makes the series so successful and why is golf such an attractive proposition for Xerox Emirates?
The XCGC has evolved over the years and has therefore managed to remain relevant. We have seen it grow from three qualifying rounds just here in the UAE from 1997 to now being a truly regional tournament with multiple events across the GCC and South Africa. It remains first and foremost a golf competition and we have constantly looked to enhance it every year – 2017 is no exception with the addition of a [grandfinal spot] for the best gross score levelling the playing field for the better handicapped golfers.

2. This is your third ‘tour of duty’ in the Middle East for Xerox Emirates after you first arrived in March 1993. You’ve obviously seen golf grow up alongside the city of Dubai which makes your early memories of the game here fascinating. What do you make of the golf offering now?
Golf has really put the UAE on the map. When I arrived I used to play at the Sharjah Wanderers sand course! During the past 24 years the development of the game has mirrored that of the country and we are now blessed with some of the finest courses from a playing, design and experience perspective.

3. They say the best business is done on the golf course. Do you concur?
Relationships here seem to matter more than in other parts of the business world. An opportunity to really get to know a business associate during a round of golf is invaluable, resulting in fabulous networking opportunities.

4. You hail from New Zealand, the land of awesome rugby, more sheep than people, scenery that looks like it’s been painted on, and Hobbits. Oh, and some fairly decent golf too. Where do you call home, how were you introduced to the game and where do you recommend we golf in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’?
I grew up in Plimmerton [near Wellington] next to the sea and we would dive and surf almost every day after school. One of my favourite courses is Queenstown – a stunning location with the Remarkable Mountains as the backdrop! I also love Wairakei [Taupo] for its uniqueness as it is set in the geothermal area of NZ. Paraparaumu Beach is a great course and just up the road from home so I’ve been fortunate enough to play there a few times.

5. Which country stands out as the best place you’ve golfed outside of New Zealand? And what’s left on your golfing bucket list?Tough question – Thailand? South Africa?
I think I have to say Scotland because of the tradition and age of some of the courses. Gleneagles is great from a total experience angle but I had an amazing trip to the Isle of Arran about 10 years ago – just superb! Tough courses, blind 230 yard par 3’s and great off course enjoyment!

6. The XCGC is expanding beyond its traditional Middle East and South Africa boundaries this year. Where are we headed and what is the thinking behind this expansion, both from a golf and business perspective?
We are hoping to add Jordan, Egypt and possibly a venue in Eastern Europe this year. The XCGC in some ways is mirroring the growth of golf across this part of the world. It opens up opportunities to reach business people in new ways for some of these geographies.

Govier, an 18-handicapper, with Andy Fairweather, in this year’s first qualifier at JGE

7. Which three people, dead or alive, make up your dream fourball?
Frank Sinatra, Sean Connery and my father. It would be such a treat to see my dad meet Frank and I would have a chance against them as they all have higher handicaps!

8. This year’s XCGC is the “Race to Earth” with Jumeirah Golf Estates to host the series’ 36-hole grand final in December. What’s your longer-term ambition for the XCGC?
The partnership this year with JGE is tremendous. It is truly a word class facility and ties in very well with the Xerox brand and the event. I really hope we see the XCGC still around in another 19 years and covering many more countries. We believe we have a great formula but continue to work hard to innovate and remain relevant and enjoyable.

9. As a New Zealander, we’re guessing you can’t wait for the upcoming All Blacks -British & Irish Lions rugby series. Do the tourists stand a chance in NZ and to draw it back to golf, where in the British Isles would you like to play?
Any kiwi is mad about rugby and I’m no different. I think the Lions have a great chance but they will need to play out of their skins. It is probably the toughest tour in rugby. AB’s to win 2-1! Ireland would be my choice – although not technically part of the British Isles, I am using the Lions angle for you to allow me that. Some of the West Coast courses look tremendous.

— Interview by Kent Gray

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