Nkana

Situated four miles from the centre of Kitwe, the second largest city in Zambia, the Nkana course was constructed by one of the copper mining companies not long after exploration began in this area in the mid-1930s.

Currently under the ownership of Mopani Copper Mines, Mark Wiltshire recently upgraded the course when he renovated the layout in advance of it hosting the Zambia Open in 2014 and 2015.

The main thrust of the upgrade was the installation of an automated irrigation system (involving the construction of four new dams on holes 8, 11, 15 and 8) and the lengthening of the course by adding a few new tees.

Bunker drainage was also addressed, with railway sleepers inserted in the face of some of these sand hazards for stabilisation and aesthetic appeal. Improvement work continues on the course, where the priority is now to improve the playing surfaces of the greens.

Our African Correspondent, Stuart McLean, played at Nkana in March 2016 and had this to say about his visit:

Built in the bushy countryside outside the city of Kitwe, it is a tranquil haven for members. It’s flat, heavily treed, and virtually every hole is in its own quiet world. Small, raised greens give it an old-fashioned look, and increase the scoring challenge, as do numerous doglegs.

Nkana had never previously hosted the Zambian Open until 2014, following all the work done by golf management company MWG in not only restoring the course back to its best condition, but also rebuilding tees and bunkers, making changes to holes, and introducing new water hazards.

Good use has been made of sleeper logs around tees and bunkers to enhance the look of the layout. There’s a new golf academy and range. Greenkeeper Dawie Klynsmith, who spent many years building courses in Nigeria, has rejuvenated a course where fairways were once devoid of grass.

The par four 18th, previously an innocuous hole, now has a magnificent water hazard guarding the green, and complements the refurbished clubhouse which overlooks it. I happily spent time with a beer on the outside deck watching the antics of a few domesticated ducks, and a kingfisher diving for fish.