Prior, 45, two-putted the final green for a par to win by a single shot at 11-over-par from the defending champion, and fellow blue bagger, Cameron Pollard at 12-over.

Prior (74-81) was dominating at stages of the second round but a double bogey at the par-4 17th left him precariously positioned, particularly when Pollard rolled in a birdie putt on the same hole.

“I kept my eye on the scores,” Prior said. “It got a bit tricky on 17. I went left into the trees and reloaded. I had a par with the second ball, but Cam had a birdie there. A three-shot swing in one hole was quite dramatic. The putter let me down big-time today. I’m striking the ball well, very happy with that, but the putter was off.”

Prior is no stranger to trophies having won multiple Australian Amputee Opens as well as tournaments in New Zealand and throughout Australia. He also played in All Abilities competitions at the Presidents Cup in 2019 and the World Cup of Golf in 2018.

Nick Taylor emerged victorious on Sunday at 13th Beach. PHOTO: Golf Australia.

But he was emotional on Sunday after completing hiss win on the Creek Courses as the final round of the Vic Open was taking place and he rated the achievement “very high up”. Asked what was next on his calendar, he said: “Probably a beer, to be honest! That might be the first thing.”

He will play the national amputee championships at Sanctuary Lakes in Melbourne this April.

Nick Taylor from Port Kembla Golf Club won the inaugural Australian Wheelchair Championship which was played alongside the inclusive championships and Vic Open.

The New South Welshman who previously represented Australia in wheelchair basketball, scored 36 modified stableford points to win by three points.

"To have your name on the trophy as the first one ever is pretty special," he said.

- Martin Blake