Adilson Da Silva
The Brazilian, who spent much of his career on the Sunshine Tour and still lives in South Africa, has already tasted success in this part of the world as a two-time winner of the Zambia Open.
“I won at Ndola in 2010 and Lusaka Golf Club in 2013. It’s amazing to be here again, and the people are so hospitable. They make such an effort. Every time we came here to play a Sunshine Tour event the people were wonderful, and they are again this week.”
Da Silva won his sixth Legends Tour title at the OFX Irish Legends in June, and he’s feeling right at home as he looks to complete a Zambian hat-trick: “I feel really comfortable here. I think Peter Matkovich is a wonderful designer and he’s designed some great courses in Africa. I enjoy playing his golf courses, and it’s going to be quite an experience.
“The breeze seems to be coming in and out, so that’s going to be a challenge for us. There’s such a variety of holes and something different on every hole. The greens seem to be putting really well. It’s going to be a challenge because there are holes that you can attack and holes where you really have to think about it. It’s going to be very interesting.
“It would be amazing to come back here and win after so long, especially on the Legends Tour with so many great players playing.”
James Kingston
The South African topped the MCB Road to Mauritius in 2022 and he’s made a positive start to this season at 8th in the season-long standings. He’s recorded four top-seven finishes in eight events, including being the runner-up at the Paul Lawrie Matchplay presented by Petsure, and he’s relishing the chance to play in Africa.
“It’s always nice to come and play on our continent and Zambia is somewhere that a lot of us have played for many years. I think a lot of the Europeans were surprised to see how good the weather is in winter out here and how good the golf course and the whole set-up is with a stunning hotel.”
But Kingston doesn’t think his added experience on the continent will be too much of an advantage against a very talented field. “I think these days the players have become so good that it doesn’t make a huge difference. The fairways are quite tight, even though it’s kikuyu grass. Most of the guys will be pretty familiar with the types of lies they’ll get. The course is African style, it looks like you’re in the middle of the bush, which is really nice. I’ve always enjoyed this style of golf.
“It’s one of those courses that creates a lot of opportunities because it’s not that tight off the tee. But the emphasis is still on hitting the fairways, because you create a good lie. Some of the pins will be hidden and it’s going to come down to who’s prepared to take on those tough pins on certain shots and can convert those chances.”
Patrik Sjöland
Last season’s Barry Lane Rookie of the Year is one of three Swedes in an international field that boasts players from 15 countries across five continents. He’s looking forward to teeing it up in his first visit to Zambia.
“I feel pretty good. I’ve been playing quite a lot at home, instead of just practicing. I like to hit a lot of short game and wedge shots, and I think playing is better practice for me than just standing and hitting golf balls. I love to play as much as I can. I’ve heard it’s a really nice golf course and in really nice condition. Some of the guys said it suits my game as well.”
Although new to Zambia, Sjoland does have experience of playing in similar conditions in South Africa: “I don’t hit the ball that high, so I’ve never really enjoyed the advantage of getting more distance (because of the altitude). But I really enjoyed it. I’ve played some good golf down in Durban and Port Elizabeth and finished third in the South African Open a couple of times.”
Playing in new and emerging nations is something he’s really embracing on the Legends Tour: “I’m very much enjoying being here and the practice facilities are really good. I enjoy coming to new places. I said to my family that last year on the Legends Tour was the most fun I’ve had in my professional career. I saw some new places, the courses are lovely and suit us older guys a little bit better. It’s always nice to come to new destinations.”
