By Brian Johnson, Port Macquarie, NSW Australia

Any person who has tried to hit a golf ball knows just how frustratingly difficult it can be. But a talented group of disabled Aussies is about to take on the world and, in the process, hopes to have golf accepted as a sport in the Paralympics.

The team of Geoff Nicholas, Shane Luke, Graham Kenyon and Henri Liebenberg (all leg amputees) will represent Australia in the inaugural World Handigolf Championships in Malmo, Sweden (Aug 8 – 10).

“We’re up against some great teams from the US, Canada and South Africa, but the team has been training hard and I’m sure we can mix it with the best,” notes team captain, Geoff Nicholas.

“Certainly, there were times that we weren’t sure we were going to get there – and we could always do with more sponsors – but the flights have been booked and there’s no turning back.

“It’s interesting that the host Swedish team even has it’s own bus, but I’m sure that won’t help them sink any extra putts.”

THE INAUGURAL HANDIGOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

The inaugural World Handigolf Championships is a team event, being played at the Bokskogens Golf Club in Sweden, and around 20 nations will be taking part.

The tournament will be played across three days, with nations represented by teams of four players.

The broader goal is to form the International Golf Federation Paralympic Committee, in order to be able to enter golf into future Paralympics. (The sport will make its able-bodied debut at the 2016 Games in Rio.)

THE AUSSIE TEAM

 GEOFF NICHOLAS – Team captain Geoff is a scratch golfer (zero handicap) and has 35 titles to his name. Geoff is a member of the Lakes Golf Club and has set his sights on playing the PGA Seniors tour later this year.

 SHANE LUKE – Shane chooses to play without a prosthesis and, standing on one leg, can smash a ball 250 metres down the fairway – to the disbelief of those watching. He is a member of Bankstown Golf Club and plays off a handicap of four.

 GRAHAM KENYON – Graham won the National Seniors amputee championships in 2008, and was runner up in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011. Graham is a member of Coolangatta Tweed GC, and is currently playing off a handicap of 12.

 HENRI LIEBENBERG – Henri is founder and president of the Western Australian Amputee Disabled Golf Association. Born in South Africa, Henri is a member of Margaret River Golf Club, plays off a handicap of eight, and relishes the chance to represent Australia against the world’s best.