A New Chapter in Zambian Golf Excellence
For four days in June 2026, Nchanga Golf Club in Chingola became the stage for world-class professional golf as the KCM Golf Challenge brought the Sunshine Tour to the Copperbelt.
From 18–21 June, leading professionals competed on Nchanga's historic championship course, producing a tournament filled with dramatic finishes, exceptional golf, local pride and unforgettable moments. The championship ultimately went down to the final holes, with South Africa's Samuel Simpson emerging victorious at 18-under-par.
Samuel Simpson Seals a Dramatic Victory
Simpson delivered a spectacular final round of 66 to claim his third Sunshine Tour title.
The decisive moment came late in his round. An eagle on the 17th followed by a birdie on the 18th moved Simpson to 18-under-par and into the clubhouse lead, where he faced a tense wait as the final group completed their rounds.
Four players Pieter Moolman, Simon du Plooy, Oliver Goldhill and Haydn Porteous finished just one shot behind at 17-under-par, making Simpson's victory one of the closest finishes of the tournament.
The victory also continued Simpson's remarkable record in Zambia, following his 2025 Mopani Zambia Open victory and another strong performance at the 2026 Mopani Zambia Open the week before.
Celebrating the Team Behind the Champion
Golf is rarely won by the player alone, and the KCM Golf Challenge celebrated that partnership by recognising Simpson's caddie, Wes Hlope, who received the Sunshine Tour Winning Caddie Medallion.
The recognition highlighted the important role caddies play in professional golf—from course management and strategy to providing the composure and support required when championship pressure is at its highest.
Keagan Bwalya: Chingola's Homegrown Hero
One of the tournament's most inspiring stories came from Keagan Bwalya, a Chingola based amateur who earned his place among the professionals.
Bwalya opened with a 73 before producing an impressive 67 in the second round to make the cut. He went on to complete the tournament at 7-over-par, finishing tied 60th and, importantly, as the only amateur in the field to make the cut.
His performance gave local golf fans a player to cheer for and demonstrated the potential of Zambia's emerging golfing talent. For young golfers watching from the sidelines, Bwalya's achievement provided a powerful reminder that the journey from amateur golf to competing alongside Sunshine Tour professionals is possible.
More Than a Tournament
The KCM Golf Challenge was more than four days of competition. It was a celebration of golf, community and Chingola.
Nchanga Golf Club welcomed players, spectators, families, sponsors, volunteers and golf enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere that extended well beyond the competition itself. The tournament also featured a junior golf clinic that engaged more than 60 young golfers from across the Copperbelt, giving them an opportunity to learn from professionals and experience the game at an international level.
The championship also produced another memorable moment when Christiaan Burke recorded a hole-in-one on the 150-metre ninth hole, becoming the fourth player to make an ace on the Sunshine Tour that season.
For the people of Chingola, the tournament offered the opportunity to see some of Southern Africa's finest golfers competing on home soil while showcasing the city's hospitality and Nchanga Golf Club's ability to host professional golf at the highest level.
A Legacy for the Future
The 2026 KCM Golf Challenge added another important chapter to Nchanga Golf Club's long championship history.
From its establishment in 1936 to its decades of hosting major tournaments, Nchanga has consistently provided a stage where golfers can test themselves, compete and create lasting memories. The KCM Golf Challenge continues that tradition while opening new opportunities for young golfers and strengthening the connection between professional sport and the wider Chingola community.
As Samuel Simpson lifted the trophy after a thrilling final round, the tournament left behind more than a champion. It left inspiration for young golfers, pride for the people of Chingola and another memorable chapter in the story of Nchanga Golf Club.
Nchanga Golf Club est. 1936
Where Champions Are Made, and Memories Last.
For four days in June 2026, Nchanga Golf Club in Chingola became the stage for world-class professional golf as the KCM Golf Challenge brought the Sunshine Tour to the Copperbelt.
From 18–21 June, leading professionals competed on Nchanga's historic championship course, producing a tournament filled with dramatic finishes, exceptional golf, local pride and unforgettable moments. The championship ultimately went down to the final holes, with South Africa's Samuel Simpson emerging victorious at 18-under-par.
Samuel Simpson Seals a Dramatic Victory
Simpson delivered a spectacular final round of 66 to claim his third Sunshine Tour title.
The decisive moment came late in his round. An eagle on the 17th followed by a birdie on the 18th moved Simpson to 18-under-par and into the clubhouse lead, where he faced a tense wait as the final group completed their rounds.
Four players Pieter Moolman, Simon du Plooy, Oliver Goldhill and Haydn Porteous finished just one shot behind at 17-under-par, making Simpson's victory one of the closest finishes of the tournament.
The victory also continued Simpson's remarkable record in Zambia, following his 2025 Mopani Zambia Open victory and another strong performance at the 2026 Mopani Zambia Open the week before.
Celebrating the Team Behind the Champion
Golf is rarely won by the player alone, and the KCM Golf Challenge celebrated that partnership by recognising Simpson's caddie, Wes Hlope, who received the Sunshine Tour Winning Caddie Medallion.
The recognition highlighted the important role caddies play in professional golf—from course management and strategy to providing the composure and support required when championship pressure is at its highest.
Keagan Bwalya: Chingola's Homegrown Hero
One of the tournament's most inspiring stories came from Keagan Bwalya, a Chingola based amateur who earned his place among the professionals.
Bwalya opened with a 73 before producing an impressive 67 in the second round to make the cut. He went on to complete the tournament at 7-over-par, finishing tied 60th and, importantly, as the only amateur in the field to make the cut.
His performance gave local golf fans a player to cheer for and demonstrated the potential of Zambia's emerging golfing talent. For young golfers watching from the sidelines, Bwalya's achievement provided a powerful reminder that the journey from amateur golf to competing alongside Sunshine Tour professionals is possible.
More Than a Tournament
The KCM Golf Challenge was more than four days of competition. It was a celebration of golf, community and Chingola.
Nchanga Golf Club welcomed players, spectators, families, sponsors, volunteers and golf enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere that extended well beyond the competition itself. The tournament also featured a junior golf clinic that engaged more than 60 young golfers from across the Copperbelt, giving them an opportunity to learn from professionals and experience the game at an international level.
The championship also produced another memorable moment when Christiaan Burke recorded a hole-in-one on the 150-metre ninth hole, becoming the fourth player to make an ace on the Sunshine Tour that season.
For the people of Chingola, the tournament offered the opportunity to see some of Southern Africa's finest golfers competing on home soil while showcasing the city's hospitality and Nchanga Golf Club's ability to host professional golf at the highest level.
A Legacy for the Future
The 2026 KCM Golf Challenge added another important chapter to Nchanga Golf Club's long championship history.
From its establishment in 1936 to its decades of hosting major tournaments, Nchanga has consistently provided a stage where golfers can test themselves, compete and create lasting memories. The KCM Golf Challenge continues that tradition while opening new opportunities for young golfers and strengthening the connection between professional sport and the wider Chingola community.
As Samuel Simpson lifted the trophy after a thrilling final round, the tournament left behind more than a champion. It left inspiration for young golfers, pride for the people of Chingola and another memorable chapter in the story of Nchanga Golf Club.
Nchanga Golf Club est. 1936
Where Champions Are Made, and Memories Last.
