Driving Excellence: Sascha Van Ryssen's Passion for Egyptian Golf

The lush green fields of Egypt’s golf courses are where Mercedes-Benz delves into its storied relationship with the sport. In an exclusive interview with Sascha van Ryssen, Director of Marketing & Sales at Mercedes-Benz Egypt, Sports & Fitness discovers the profound relationship Mercedes-Benz has with the sport, its local impact, and the deep commitment to fostering talent, community, and social responsibility within the golfing sphere.

Having represented Mercedes-Benz for numerous years in Egypt, Ryssen is an avid golf enthusiast, informing Sports & Fitness, “Golf has been a part of my life for more than 15 years.“ When asked regarding the appeal of golf compared to other sports, Ryssen said, “Golf offers a unique blend of strategy and precision. Unlike other sports, it provides a serene environment for focus and strategic thinking.“ He continues by mentioning his preferred areas to golf here, “Egypt boasts exceptional golf destinations, complimented with perfect year-round clear weather. Notable courses in Cairo include Madinaty Golf Club, Westin Dunes, and Palm Hills on 6th October. Red Sea destinations such as El Gouna, Makadi, and the breathtaking Somabay feature the jewels of golf courses, offering diverse challenges, stunning landscapes, and professional on-ground teams, providing golf enthusiasts with a memorable experience. Many of these clubs hosted Mercedes-Benz's Golf initiatives, including the MercedesMasters.” In regards to the link Mercedes-Benz had to his passion for the sport, Ryssen reflects, “Mercedes-Benz's long-standing association with golf further fueled my passion, as the brand's commitment to precision and excellence resonates with the essence of the sport.” The resonance between the brand's identity and the values embedded within golf, such as strategy, precision, and a pursuit of perfection, highlights a most welcome integration between Mercedes-Benz's philosophy and the spirit of the sport.

Delving further into Mercedes's relationship with Golf, Ryssen informs, “For more than 30 years, Mercedes-Benz has supported golf around the world, from partnering with the most prestigious majors, tournaments such as the masters and the open, engaging with players in the professional game to hosting amateurs in the largest global invitational series, the MercedesTrophy.” The company’s three-decade-long support in golf, spanning from elite tournaments to inclusive global events, reaffirms its comprehensive commitment to all levels of sports. When asked how hosting Golf events meshes with the Mercedes-Benz brand, Ryssen says, “By hosting golf events, we seamlessly intertwine the Mercedes-Benz brand with the values inherent in golf – precision, elegance, and a pursuit of perfection. These events serve as a dynamic platform to showcase our commitment to excellence, aligning the brand with luxury, sophistication, and innovation synonymous with both Mercedes-Benz and the sport of golf.” Mercedes-Benz stands as an automotive hallmark synonymous with a deeply rooted heritage in luxury, innovation, and excellence. Therefore, it's logical to expect any expansion to adhere to these foundational principles, ensuring alignment with its rich and esteemed legacy.

As high-profile as they are, the event typically draws extensive attendance, comprising a diverse array of high-profile individuals. Ryssen explains, “Our highly desirable events attract a diverse audience, including avid golf enthusiasts, seasoned professionals, socialites & guests who are passionate about the luxurious lifestyle associated with our brand. He continues by mentioning, “ In addition to our valued customers, our notable audience emphasizes the far-reaching allure of golf and the sense of community it fosters. Together, we contribute to a dynamic & enriching setup, augmenting the overall experience for all participants and boasting sportsmanship and love for iconic luxury.” These gatherings exude inclusivity, emphasizing a profound sense of community. With valued customers mingling among a notable audience, a diverse spectrum of participants is showcased, adding depth to the event's overall appeal. This shared passion for golf assists Mercedes-Benz in fostering a dynamic and enriching experience that resonates with all involved. The MercedesMasters in Egypt is a prestigious golf tournament hosted by Mercedes-Benz Egypt, first conceptualized and launched in 2020. Mercedes-Benz's connection with golf in Egypt represents a strategic and enduring partnership that intertwines automotive sophistication with the sport's allure. The tournament is held at some of Egypt’s renowned golf courses, attracting top talent and golf enthusiasts by the hundreds each year. Ryssen informs, “In addition to gathering friends of the brand & luxury seekers in a friendly atmosphere, this biannual event showcases the skill of Egyptian golfers and reinforces our dedication to promoting the sport's growth in the region.” The tournament's prize holds considerable value and significance to those participating. . Ryssen explains that the winners “get the chance to participate on a professional level at world-renowned tournaments, in addition to receiving memorable trophies & valuable Mercedes-Benz Collection gifts. The MercedesMasters is a testament to our commitment to the golfing community in Egypt, providing a platform for amateur and professional players to compete at the highest level.” This achievement serves as remarkable motivation for those engaged in the sport, highlighting not only Mercedes-Benz's support in nurturing talent within the Egyptian community but also providing a pathway for their entry into the global competitive arena.

Regarding the talent pool, we were intrigued to hear. Ryssen's perspective, given his deep involvement in the local scene. He said, “Egypt boasts a burgeoning golf talent pool; watching them hone their skills is inspiring. The local golfing community continues to evolve, with skilled players emerging on both amateur and professional fronts.” Considering the country's strong culture of promoting sports across the board, the statement shouldn't astonish Egyptians, consistently yielding a rich array of talent in various athletic pursuits. However, when delving into Mercedes Benz's contributions to this culture, Ryssen reaffirms, “Our commitment to supporting local talent is evident in events like the MercedesMasters, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills on a highly competitive level. We actively contribute to nurturing the next generation of golf champions in Egypt by partnering with organizations like the Egyptian Golf Federation (EGF).” Mercedes-Benz's collaboration with the EGF is commendable, showcasing the brand's deepening integration within the Egyptian community through continued partnerships with local foundations and individuals.

Golf is often a powerful tool for charitable causes, hosting tournaments and events with proceeds for various philanthropic organizations. Celebrities, athletes, and corporations participate in charity golf tournaments, leveraging their influence to raise funds for specific causes. These events provide a platform to enhance philanthropic endeavors, uniting communities for a common charitable goal. When asked about Mercedes-Benz’s affiliation in supporting anything particular with these events, . Ryssen mentions, “Our commitment to the green sport goes beyond hosting exclusive events. Mercedes-Benz is dedicated to the #PerfectDrive in everything we do, including driving the game of golf forward internationally and locally.” The Mercedes #PerfectDrive initiative signifies the brand's commitment to excellence in its vehicles and supporting and advancing the sport of golf. It essentially encompasses various aspects, from sponsoring major golf tournaments to hosting exclusive events like the MercedesMasters to promote talent, community engagement, and philanthropy within the golfing sphere. Ryssen further says, “We are extremely proud of our support for the Egyptian Golf Federation through exclusive automotive partnerships for their golfing calendar, grassroots initiatives, the National Junior Development, and Elite Amateur Programs. Supporting future golf champions is a shared goal of both Mercedes-Benz Egypt and the Egyptian Golf Federation.” Partnerships are a cornerstone of the Mercedes-Benz #PerfectDrive initiative, crucially enhancing grassroots initiatives and programs within the golfing community. At Mercedes-Benz events in Egypt, the brand actively directs a portion of proceeds towards impactful charitable initiatives, supporting causes that hold significant value and impact within the community. During the previous event hosted at Madinaty Golf Club, golfers showed support for the Baheya Foundation for breast cancer awareness. Ryssen explains, “Golfers came in to participate, wielding their drivers for a greater cause, where a percentage of the ticket fees was donated to Baheya.” he further reflected, “This falls in line with our long-term partnership with Baheya Foundation to support their ambitious humanitarian projects including continuing the establishment of the new breast cancer hospital in Sheikh Zayed.” It's a commendable endeavor, and given Mercedes-Benz's ongoing commitment to sports and its lasting presence in Egypt, such impactful contributions to the community and the sport are likely to persist and expand in the foreseeable future.