9 holes with...Chris Govier

The Xerox Emirates General Manager on the 19th season of the Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge, blind 230-yard par 3s, Frank Sinatra and the Lions’ chances against rugby’s mighty All Blacks.

- Kent Gray

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?