This afternoon I was invited by the Rafiki Village Plant Manager, Larry, to join him for a game of golf. That’s right- golf in Mzuzu, Malawi. It was perfect weather, as has been the case every day for the past two weeks- sunny and in the low 70s. Hard to believe it’s this nice when your less than 800 miles from the Equator.

It was a fun time doing nine holes. But there were some challenges. For instance, the course is now used as a informal park and trail network by the community. So you’re trying to golf over peoples’ heads. Moreover, there was a small group of children who followed us along the way, all wanting to be paid at the end of our round.

I paid “greens” fees, rented clubs, hired a caddie, and paid for my part of the rest of our unwanted entourage- all for about $10. (“greens” in quotes because there was essentially no green on this course)

The course was hardly regulation. There was trash everywhere. And the putting greens were made of sand (see photos). One tee-off location actually had a few fires burning on it (see photo). This apparently is a Malawi thing. They love to burn stuff. You see it all over the place (and smell it constantly as well).

Yes, those are fires burning as Larry tees off.

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Random non sequitur in the middle of this post: We saw some pied crows in the trees at the golf course. Putting the new Nikon P600 to the test.

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“Uncle Larry” looking good

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This is yours truly putting on sand. No putting green here, just a sand-trap with a hole!

Along the course- right in the middle of the fairways- were people playing soccer, drinking and just hanging out. I was a little concerned that I would hit someone with a ball, but everyone dodged well enough.

Certainly one of the most interesting golf experiences I’ve ever had. All in all, a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Malawi is always surprising.