Australia were the big movers on the last day of play at the World Disabled Golf Championships at the One Way Golf Club in Japan.

The Australian team made up a deficit of 11 strokes in the teams event to snatch 3rd place ahead of Denmark.

Australian Shane Luke finished outright 2nd in the individual play and the best amputee golfer at the World Championships.

Steady rounds were played in tough conditions by Shane Luke and team veteran Geoff Nicholas that secured Australia’s position.

Australia is one of 17 nations and 53 Golfers with various disabilities who participated in the World Disabled Golf Championships and the first of its kind.

With participating nations contributing to the successful running of the event, the World Disabled Golf Championships is an important step forward for disabled golf to be considered for inclusion into future Paralympic Games.

Australian coach, Christian Hamilton said, " What was evident for the week, was the great will of all nations coming together in what was an event played in great spirit amongst all competitors, regardless of disability."

Team manager and competitor James Gribble was the only paraplegic Golfer in the Championship to complete the 1st round with a score of 125 strokes.

One Way Golf Club is located in the north of Tokyo and is designed by a prestigious American golf course designer, Pete Dye.

Hamilton, along with fellow PGA Professional Stuart Leong, pioneered the Limbs 4 Life training program, providing amputees and those born without limbs with the opportunity to become involved and have the confidence to participate in golf.

Final Team Scores (aggregate team stroke play)
1 Sweeden 719 ( won in a playoff)
2 USA 719
3 Australia 739
4 Denmark 740
5 Japan 741
6 England 746
7 Canada 767
8 Germany 796
9 Finland 825
10 Korea 835

Individual Scores
1. J. Kammerstad (SWE) 226
2. S. Luke (AUS) 233
3. K. Bontz (USA) 234
4. S. Kobayashi (JPN) 235
T5. J. Bjorkman (SWE) 237
T5. M. Lykke Nielsen (DEN) 237

Other Australians
7 G. Nicholas 238
T37 M. Rolls 277
40 G. Kenyon 278

Wheelchair Division 36 Hole Strokeplay
1. H. Nojima (JPN) 210
WD J. Gribble (AUS) 125