Between rounds with ... Madalitso Muthiya
Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008
The first Zambian to play in the U. S. Open — in 2006 — this New Mexico alumnus began playing golf at 9. At 15, he caught the eye of Zambian President Frederick Chiluba, who helped him gain entry into a U. S. junior event. Muthiya turned pro in 2005, has made three career starts in PGA events and is a rookie on the Nationwide Tour. QDoes anyone ever pronounce your name (mad-uh-LEET-so moo-TEE-yuh ) correctly ? AVery few. On the first attempt, they can get it right, but on the second and third time they usually get it wrong, which is kind of funny. QIs that something you just get used to ? AI’m not too particular on someone pronouncing my name because it’s somewhat unique. It doesn’t bother me. QThe media guide says you also enjoy soccer. Was that your first love ? AThat was my first love, I should say. It changed once I developed bad knees. I couldn’t play for four years competitively, so golf took over. QDo you still follow soccer ? AOnly when I went back home in December. I hadn’t watched it for over two years because they don’t show it as much as in the U. S. QWhat do you miss most about Zambia ? AFamily, first and foremost, and then just the environment. Despite the situation there, being a developing country, it still has its beauty, I think. QWhat do you like most about being here ? AThe opportunity to pursue what I want to do in life, which is play professional golf. And obviously a lot of people that are supportive and well-wishing, I’d say.
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