Toto Thimba put on a final round masterclass to claim the KCB Karen Masters by three strokes at the Karen Country Club in Kenya, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
The 32-year-old put himself in position for a run at the title on Saturday courtesy of a 66 which closed the gap to one behind Stephen Ferreira.
Sunday, though, was all about Thimba’s pursuit of Ferreira and then surge ahead well ahead.
An eagle and a birdie inside his opening few holes set Thimba on his way before his day took its first twist with back to back drops at five and six. A birdie at the par 3 seventh helped him make the turn two under par.
Ferreira had bounced back from two bogeys to turn level as the battle intensified.
Ferreira then delivered jab after jab at his closest challenger’s resolve as he birdied 11, 12 and 13. Thimba, though, was every bit in the contest as he birdied 10 and eagled 12.
A bogey at 13 may have been unlucky for some but once more, he showed his class as he stormed into the clubhouse with gains at 15, 16 and 17.
There would be no answer to the relentless assault as Thimba waltzed into the winner’s circle.
The win, which comes with a cheque worth R348 000, helps vindicate his rise in the game after a second place at the Lombard Insurance Classic a few weeks ago hinted at bigger things to come.
Thimba, though, will spend little time looking back after breaking new ground.
