The Sunshine Tour heads north this week into Zambia, and returns to the Nkana Golf Club for the Mopani Zambia Open.

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 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 eight, 11, 15 and 18 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.

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.

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.