The luck was with Curtis as Toomey makes late charge

In what was a dramatic final day, Curtis Luck of Australia has come from behind to win the 2016 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and New Zealands Luke Toomey finished third at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea.

Luck now the now holds the two biggest prizes in amateur golf after winning the US Amateur earlier in the year as his golfing CV builds at pace.

The day started as a two horse race with Luck starting the final round seven shots behind, but with the 54 hole leader Brett Coletta making two double bogeys half way through the round, the door opened for his fellow Australian who pounced and won the tournament by one shot after a 72 hole birdie.

This also left the door slightly ajar for New Zealands Luke Toomey who was making a run on his own with an impressive round of six under (66). This rocketed him up the leaderboard to finish in third alone in what has been a successful week for the 23 year old.

"I'm just bloody stoked and it's satisfying to know the hard work is starting to trend nicely," said Toomey.

The Waikato number one kept the faith after holing a 35-foot putt for birdie on 12 and for the first time this week carded a bogey free round which included six birdies. Although he left his run slightly late this positive result will do him the world of good.

"I came here with the intention to do something special but I probably didn't make those birdies quick enough. I'm not going to think of the what-ifs, I'm just proud of what I did achieve today."

Toomey's finish matched Ben Campbell in 2011 as the best by a New Zealander in the tournament's seven-year history. Campbell finished third behind Japan's Hideki Matsuyama.

Nick Voke was next best Kiwi in 11th place on three-over. Tournament debutant Daniel Hillier finished tied for 15th on six-over, followed by another first-timer Luke Brown (eight-over), Nick Coxon (13-over) and Ryan Chisnall (16-over).

All players showed character and fight throughout the week, but what was most impressive was the way they conducted themselves off the course. They were a hit with many, especially all the local caddies.

It was a special week for the large New Zealand contingent inside and outside the ropes as we prepare to host this amazing event in 2017 at Royal Wellington. To have the worlds best amateurs and the worlds most powerful golfing bodies in our back yard will be something very special.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ