The Zanaco Masters makes its return to the Sunshine Tour after a three-year hiatus. The event was played in 2014 as the Zambia Sugar Open and in 2019 it was won by South Africa’s JC Ritchie.

Lusaka Golf Club plays host to this tournament which has attracted a strong field of Sunshine Tour players this year, along with several internationals.

The first international tournament to be played there was in 1972, and won by Craig Defoy of Wales. The first time the Sunshine Tour played there was in 1997, and the tournament was won by James Loughnane of Ireland. The first South African to win there was Michael Kirk in 2004.

Zambia’s premier golf club, situated in the heart of the capital, was officially opened in 1935. It ran through the residential area of Sunningdale into what is now the runway of the airport. The course as we know it today was developed in 1959 and by 1962 all 18 holes were complete. In 1993 the first computer-controlled, state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed, which transformed the fairways.

The course was closed in 2022 for an extensive rehabilitation which included overhauling the irrigation system and practice range, and restructuring all the greens and bunkers. It was opened to the public again in early May 2023.

The tree-lined course is now a challenging par-72 with four par-fives (all on the back nine), two par-threes and 10 par-fours. It is a parkland setting with an undulating terrain featuring a clever use of swamps and dams. The wide fairways, water features and sand traps form an integral part of the course, which offers plenty of challenges to amateur and pro golfers alike.

DID YOU KNOW?

• South Africa’s Lyle Rowe won the event at Lusaka Golf Club in 2014, when he beat compatriot Neil Schietekat by four shots to lift the Zambia Sugar Open trophy. He was drenched in sugar instead of the customary champagne afterwards.
• The refurbished course is part of the Lusaka Golf Club Redevelopment Project and takes place over three phases. Phase two will involve redeveloping the project, while phase three is the construction of hotels.
• Former winners include 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam and fellow European Ryder Cup players Christy O’Connor Jnr, Sam Torrance, Gordon J Brand, Tommy Horton and Brian Barnes.