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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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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We will draw two winners at random, one for entry into the November 10 qualifying round at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (1pm shotgun start) and the other for the final qualifier at The Els Club Dubai on December 8 (1pm shotgun).

To enter, just answer the question below and fill in the required details. All correct answers will be entered into the prize draw, held on October 30. Good luck!

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To register to play in this year’s Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge, go to www.xeroxcgc.com

The post Competition: WIN Twoball entry for two Xerox Challenge qualifiers appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.