Where are they Golfing now Mike Gerbich

Welcome to the feature ‘Where are they Golfing now’ where we track down people who used to work in and around the UAE Golf Industry. Mike Gerbich gave his answers to our questions on ‘Where he is golfing now’.

Full Name: Michael J Gerbich | Age: 71 | Nationality: American

You have been a former Captain at Emirates Golf Club, when and how was that honor?
Lived there 20 years and I was Captain at Emirates Golf Club in 1995…great honor & loads of great memories!

Where have you worked in the UAE and when?
Was Sales Mgr for Continental Ag… for the Middle East for 16 years… project Mgmt for Kerzner Intl… worked on the Palm Island & Altlantis Hotel.

You saw many changes in not only the way Dubai now looks but also in the growth of the Golf industry, what are your thoughts on this progression and the future?
Most of the changes took place during our time in Dubai..the progression has been fantastic..many great golf courses have been built..3 different Professional Tours now being played..super expansion for the local PGA teaching professionals..future appears positive..believe the UAE..requires a municipal style pay as you play course..especially for those that cannot afford the fees for a semi-private course!

Do you manage to get back to the UAE for any Golf or Golf events?
Was back in 2012 for the Dubai Desert Classic and we hope to return for the 2014 25th Anniversary of the Desert Classic.

Do you miss anything about Golf in the UAE/Dubai?
Miss all the great friends & friendships..the scratch League, Monthly Medals..the BMW Sponsored tournaments & the Saturday group! Also, miss the European Tour Pros who used to come & practice during the European winter months…used to be great fun playing matches with them…great fun!
Was very fortunate to play in 20 pro-ams during our time in Dubai….had some great 4 ball games with various guys over the years..lots of laughs & ton of fun… Always enjoyed the mixed match play matches..was fortunate enough to get some talented lady partners who carried me, we won 2 of those!

Enjoyed both the doubles & singles match play tournament..managed to win one of each!
Have loads of friends at almost every club in the UAE..it has been great to follow their careers from entry level positions to GM’s or Directors of Golf..the Professional Teaching Pros in the UAE..could go anywhere in the world…many have & are leaders in their Profession in there relative countries! I have followed the expansion & think its very positive!

Can you talk a little about where are you currently residing and working? Tell us a little about the Golf Club?
Presently residing in Scottsdale Arizona & am a member at Desert Highlands. www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com is our website! (photo above)
I am retired..play 3 times a week..handicap now 9…play in the Senior Interclub match play.
We won it two years ago finishes 2nd the past 2 years.

UAE Golf Online would like to thank Mike for his time. If you want to be featured, please contact us.