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Former Amateur Golfer of The Year Samuel Njoroge’s dream of clinching his maiden Safari Tour series title went up in flames following a disappointing final round at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club that saw him return a score of four over par 76 to relinquish the trophy to Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi.

The Railways player who recently turned pro blamed fatigue for his failure to hold onto the lead after closing round three tied top alongside the eventual winner.

Njoroge started well, making a birdie at the par five-second, then dropped two shots at the eighth and nine, and twice went into the hazard at the 11th and 12th with a late birdie coming at the 17th.

“I did not have any pressure at all, but I just could not push myself to the limit.

All the same, I am happy finishing second for the second week in a row and in my second tournament as a pro,” said Njoroge

Chinhoi, who finished runners up for times in the last qualifier, clinched the leg following a brilliant round of five under par 67 in the closing round for a total of nine -under par 279.

For his expolits, the Zimbabwean won Sh150,000 including a bonus for scoring under par in four rounds and 50 points while Njoroge took home Sh70,000 for his runner up position and 48 points in the Road to Magical Kenya Open 2021.

The winner birdied the first nine’s second and seventh holes, then just like in the third round, started his birdie-hunt with a three at the par four- 10th, added three more at the 15th, 17th and the par four-18th. Three putts at the par four-16th denied him a bogey-free round.

“I am excited about winning my first event in the Safari Tour, after finishing second four times.

My tee shots were solid, as I made all the fairways though I also missed a number of putts

particularly at the first nine where I felt a bit shaken which is normal when you are playing in the

final round and with good players,’’ said Chinhoi who played alongside Njoroge and his elder brother John Wangai in the final round.

“I have not played at Vet Lab, the venue for the next leg in the Safari Tour series.

Just like it was my first time here at Royal I will try and keep it on the fairways and see how it goes,’’ added the 29-year-old from Royal Harare Golf Club in Zimbabwe and who turned professional in 2017.

Round two leader Greg Snow who is now leading the list for the Open on 168.2 points, shot

level par 72 in the final round to finish in third place on one over par 289, just a shot better than

Golf Park’s Eric Ooko who posted one over par 73 in the closing round.