Chege produces final-day masterclass to win Absa Invitational
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 10.07.26. | 14:00
The Absa Invitational attracted a strong field of 80 golfers from across East Africa and beyond, with players competing for a share of the KES 2 million prize purse,
Thika Sports Club professional Samuel Chege produced a breathtaking final-round charge to clinch his maiden Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing title after winning the Absa Invitational, the fourth leg of the circuit, at Nyali Golf & Country Club.
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Chege overturned a three-shot deficit after beginning the final day tied for ninth, carding a superb six-under-par 65 to finish on seven-under-par 206, the lowest aggregate score of the tournament.
His flawless display included seven birdies on the 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 11th, 16th and 17th holes, with his only dropped shot coming at the 12th. The victory completed an impressive recovery after an opening-round 75 had left him well off the pace.
An elated Chege credited his patience and belief for the breakthrough victory.
"I'm really happy to get my first Sunshine Development Tour title. After the first round, I knew I had to stay patient and keep believing because there was still a lot of golf to play. I struck the ball really well over the last two rounds, gave myself chances and managed to take them. This win gives me a lot of confidence going forward, and I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout the journey."
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The victory earned Chege KES 400,000 from the tournament's KES 2 million prize fund.
Muthaiga Golf Club's Greg Snow and defending champion Njoroge Kibugu of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club finished tied for second on five-under-par 208.
Snow returned a final-round two-under-par 69, mixing four birdies with two bogeys to fall just short of mounting a stronger title challenge.
Reflecting on his week, Snow said: "It was a good week overall and I'm pleased with how I played. Samuel had an exceptional final round and deserved the win. There are plenty of positives to take from this week, and I'll keep building as the season progresses."
Kibugu, who started the day as the overnight leader and was aiming to retain the Nyali crown, signed for a one-under-par 70. After bogeys on the 4th, 7th and 10th threatened to derail his title defence, he responded with birdies on the 11th, 15th, 16th and 17th to stay in contention until the closing holes.
Despite surrendering the title, Kibugu remained upbeat. "Naturally, I would have loved to defend the title, but that's golf. I fought hard until the end and gave myself a chance. Congratulations to Samuel for a fantastic round, and I'll take the positives into the next events."
Snow and Kibugu each pocketed KES 180,000 for their runner-up finishes.
Celestin Nsanzuwera of Kigali Golf Resort emerged as the leading international player, finishing fourth on three-under-par 210 after closing with a one-under-par 70. John Lejirma and Mohit Mediratta shared fifth place on two-under-par 211.
The Absa Invitational attracted a strong field of 80 golfers from across East Africa and beyond, with players competing for a share of the KES 2 million prize purse, as well as valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, which are key to securing promotion to the main Sunshine Tour.
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