To preview the grand final, we rewind to the fourth and final qualifier of the season at the Address Montgomerie Dubai last Thursday and present this, our video review. Enjoy.

PHOTO ESSAY: All the best photography from the 2018 XCGC qualifier at the Address Montgomerie Dubai

Stay tuned to GolfDigestme.com for full coverage of the 20th Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge grand final.

Related: Team Arshad top Monty qualifying for JGE finale

The post VIDEO: 2018 XCGC qualifier at The Address Montgomerie Dubai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
The 20th Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge reaches its climax on Saturday, back at where the special anniversary season began at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

To get you in the mood for the 18-hole grand final at JGE, enjoy all the best action shots from last week’s final qualifier at The Address Montgomerie Dubai where Arshad Khan and Arshad Waheed led the action.

RELATED: Team Arshad topy Monty qualifying for 20th XCGC grand final

Stay tuned to GolfDigestme.com for full coverage of the final at the home of the European Tour’s season ending DP World Tour Championship.

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GOOD CART GOLF: If you can’t beat ’em, join them…

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FOCUS: Deep breath, make the next one count…

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BOOM!

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SPLASH!

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SHORT GAME WIZARD: Did you get it up and down, Good Sir (let us know on our social media channels)?

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GREAT ESCAPE!

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STRIKE A POSE: Hold…hold!

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TRUST ME: Just keep your head down partner…

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TOUGH IN THE ROUGH: A lush lie for this XCGC competitor…

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GOLDEN HOUR: Perfect late afternoon conditions at The Address Montgomerie, Dubai.

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IMPACT: A stylish shot…

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EYES ON THE PRIZE…

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GIVING IT EVERYTHING: …and holding the finish…

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WELL, HELLO THERE…

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LEFTY LIKE: Wishing I’d taken one more club so I was putting already…

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UNDERWAY: The 20th Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge has been another great success in 2018.

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LOVELY LINCOLN: Sponsors Al Tayer Motors provide a perfect backdrop to this tee-shot…

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FAIRWAY FINDER…

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HANDY SANDY…

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WELCOME: Lincoln cars courtesy of sponsors Al Tayer Motors.

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YOUR HONOUR: Pin seeker…

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TAP, TAP, TAP it in…

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GO YOU GOOD THING…

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TAKE A LOAD OFF: Watching the opposition from another relaxing Al Tayer Motors activation.

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HEAR THIS: Xerox Emirates General Manager Chris Govier addresses the field at prize-giving.

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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Arshad Khan and Arshad Waheed won the final qualifier with a pairs betterball net score of 62 at ‘The Monty’.

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Thanks to the crew at ‘The Monty’. See you all at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The post PHOTO ESSAY: 2018 XCGC at The Address Montgomerie Dubai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

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.

The post 8 Questions for Chris Govier appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

A betterball net score of 60 – 11 under par – saw the duo waltz into December’s 20th anniversary grand final in style.

RELATED: Hosking and Tayfield tame Trump to reach 20th XCGC grand final

Check out all the highlights from Trump Dubai in our video review here:

Tower Links Golf Club hosts the penultimate qualifier in the XCGC’s “Celebrating 20 Years Premium Series” tomorrow (November 2) where the top four net place-getters and the gross-winners automatically earn starts in the XCGC’s 18-hole Grand Final in December. There, the following prizes are up for grabs:

Champions: A memorable ‘International Experience’ at one of Europe’s leading golf clubs.
Runners-Up: Pro-Am spot as well as corporate hospitality at the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
Third: Corporate hospitality at the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Remember, it’s not too late to enter the final qualifier at The Address Montgomerie Dubai on November 29 here – xeroxcgc.com.

RELATED: XCGC – Jumeirah Golf Estates video review

The post VIDEO: Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge – Trump Dubai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Impressed but not clearly intimidated, Kelvin Tayfield and Ernest Hosking have trumped the 19th XCGC champions on Trump Dubai International Golf Club, winning the second qualifier with an 11-under 60.

WATCH: 2018 XCGC Opener on Fire

Tayfield and Hosking easily beat Ashok Kumar and Suresh Nathumal by six strokes in the Lincoln Al Tayer-sponsored qualifier with Shabir Yakub and Anthony Stroud having to settle for third on countback after also signing for a five-under 66.

The winning didn’t stop there for Hoskin who joined Jon Walley, Geoff Walsh and Nicholas Hymas in hitting it within the ‘Lincoln Circle’ on the Lincoln Al Tayer-sponsored 8th hole, a feat that earned each a Lincoln of their choice for a weekend.   

Xclusive Yacht’s nearest the pin on the 17th was won by Mike Estafanous.

A round of 72, meanwhile, saw Jon Walley and Stuart Cameron seal the gross title at Trump and join the top four net placegetters in the 20th XCGC grand final in December. The winners of the 18-hole decider will play for the following prizes:

Champions: A memorable ‘International Experience’ at one of Europe’s leading golf clubs.
Runners-Up: Pro-Am spot as well as corporate hospitality at the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
Third: Corporate hospitality at the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

The third qualifier in XCGC’s ‘Celebrating 20 Years Premium Series’ is scheduled for this Friday,  November 2 at Tower Links Golf Club. To register for the Ras Al Khaimah qualifier, click xeroxcgc.com here.

The post Hosking and Tayfield tame Trump to reach 20th XCGC grand final appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The XCGC’s “Celebrating 20 Years Premium Series” now moves to Trump International Golf Club, Dubai on October 18 and it’s not too late to enter online at xeroxcgc.com.

To get you in the mood for Trump Dubai, check out our video from Fire here:

The top 4 net place-getters and the gross-winners at Trump automatically earn starts in the XCGC’s 18-hole Grand Final in December where the following prizes are up for grabs:

Champions: A memorable ‘International Experience’ at one of Europe’s leading golf clubs.
Runners-Up: Pro-Am spot as well as corporate hospitality at the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
Third: Corporate hospitality at the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

We’ve also teamed up with Xerox Emirate to offer one lucky reader and a friend entry to the third XCGC qualifier at Tower Links in Ras Al Khaimah on November 2. Simply click the link below for your chance to win: 

WIN! A Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge Two-Ball at Tower Links

The post VIDEO: Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge on Fire, plus your chance to win a Tower Links two-ball appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

For your chance to win, simply fill in the entry details below. Good luck!

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The post WIN! A Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge Two-Ball at Tower Links appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
Hisham Shammas and Paul Abouchacra won last season’s Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge and clearly have every intention of defending their title in the 20th anniversary edition of the iconic Middle East amateur series.

The dynamic duo won the first of the XCGC’s four 2018 qualifying events at Jumeirah Golf Estates, combining for a betterball net score of 62 around JGE’s Fire course on Thursday.

Shammas and Abouchacra’s 10-under total edged Jai Dawda and Vivek Sharma by a stroke while Alan and Souyama Salem were third in the Lincoln Al Tayer-sponsored competition after carding a seven-under 65.

Neil Phillips and Paul Donovan recorded a five-over 77 to win the gross title and also qualify for December’s 20th XCGC Grand Final back at JGE.

The top 4 net place-getters and the gross-winners go through to the one-day Grand Final where the following prizes are up for grabs:

Champions: A memorable ‘International Experience’ at one of Europe’s leading golf clubs.
Runners-Up: Pro-Am spot as well as corporate hospitality at the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
Third: Corporate hospitality at the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Meanwhile, the traditional Lincoln Al Tayer-sponsored nearest the pin competition at last week’s Fire qualifier came with a twist with the those who hit within the ‘Lincoln Circle’ entered into a draw to win a Lincoln of their choice for a weekend. The lucky winners were Ornella Parigi, Wayne Munro and  Shammas.

Xclusive Yacht’s nearest the pin on the 14th was won by Martin Lambert.

The second qualifier in the XCGC’s ‘Celebrating 20 Years Premium Series’, is scheduled for October 18 at Trump International Golf Club, Dubai. Register online at xeroxcgc.com

The post Shammas and Abouchacra pick up where they left off as 20th XCGC begins on Fire appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Registrations for the opening round of the 20th Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge, proudly supported by Lincoln/Al Tayer Motors, are now open.

ENTER THE 20th Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge here TODAY! 

The September 27 qualifier on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates falls on the Thursday before Thomas Bjorn’s Europeans square off against Jim Furyk’s visiting Americans near Paris. As such, the popular pairs betterball strokeplay event will open with a Ryder Cup twist.

As well as playing for first, second and third place qualifying glory and a total of five places in the 20th XCGC Grand Final in December, each pair entered will be drawn to represent either “Europe” or “Team USA” at Fire.

The pair in each fourball that records the lowest combined net score over 18 holes will contribute a point towards their designated team – halves will count as such – with additional prizes on the line for the winners of the XCGC’s inaugural Ryder Cup.

For full entry details including special Xerox Emirates customer discounts and JGE club member and Emirates Golf Federation rates, click here.

Stay tuned to Golf Digest Middle East – the official media partner of the XCGC – for all the news and results from the 20th edition of the region’s best corporate golf series.

Paul Abouchacra and Hisham Shammas were crowned last season’s champions after 36 high quality and high pressure holes on JGE’s Fire and Earth courses.
Here they are flanked left by Onside Sports Steven Munro and Xerox Emirates GM Chris Govier (far right).

The post 20th Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge opens with a Ryder Cup twist appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Champions Hisham Shammas and Paul Abouchacra relive their tense battle with Frans Smit and Jacques du Toit on Fire and Earth in our video review of the 36-hole decider at JGE here:

You can also read all about the Grand Final where Shammas remembers his pal’s “crazy” and pivotal putting and his own decisive near eagle on Earth’s notorious 18th.

Related: XCGC Grand Final – Great mirth on Fire and Earth

Abouchacra and Shammas collect their booty, including a spot in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship sponsors day courtesy of Golf Digest Middle East.

Make sure to tag friends and share the best pictures from December’s fiercely fun battle from our photo gallery as well.

Related: Photo gallery from the XCGC Grand Final

Finally, stay tuned to GolfDigestME.com and xeroxcgc.com as details of the 20th anniversary edition of the region’s biggest corporate networking golf series are revealed.

The post VIDEO: 19th Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge Grand Final appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.