Fed: Newton looks to hand over tournament to kids

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2008
Fed: Newton looks to hand over tournament to kids

By Katherine Field, National Entertainment Writer.

SYDNEY, December 16 AAP - Jack Newton plans to hand over the reins of his celebrity
golf classic to his son and daughter after 30 years at the helm.

The founder of the tournament that attracts Australian stars of sport, music, TV and
fashion kick-started the 30th anniversary tournament at Cypress Lakes Resort on Tuesday,
reminiscing about the early days.

A diabetes sufferer, Newton said he hoped to hand over the tournament to his children
- former NRL rugby league player Clint Newton and daughter Kristie.

"I'm 58 years old - hopefully my kids can take it over - and let me rest in peace," Newton said.

The Jack Newton Classic began in 1979 in Noosa, Queensland but has grown into a major
celebrity tournament - and star family .

"Not many things last 30 years," he said.

Newton says despite all the stars over the years - the event saw no egos.

"It's our big tradition - you leave your ego at the door," he said.

Among the 50 professional players and 50 celebrities on Tuesday were competition veterans
including former prime minister Bob Hawke, tennis great John Newcombe, Olympic swimmer
Dawn Fraser, former Kangaroos captain Wally Lewis and his son Home and Away actor Lincoln
Lewis, as well as actor Gary Sweet and son, musician Frank Sweet.

Lincoln Lewis, who was playing for the first time, said he was delighted to be on the
green after years spent watching.

"I've always been an observer since I was born," Lewis said.

"I can't believe that I'm the one playing now."

Gary Sweet, who was at his 21st celebrity classic, said he was happy to be catching
up with old friends.

"It's like a Christmas family get together."

Meanwhile Home and Away off-screen couple Conrad Colby and Esther Anderson relished
the chance to play against each other which brought out their competitive sides.

"If she beats me today I will be forever mortified," Colby said.

Over the years, the tournament has raised $3 million for diabetes.

Newton won the Australian Open in 1979 before he lost his arm when hit by the propellor
of a plane in 1983, an accident which almost killed him.

AAP kaf/jfm/bwl

KEYWORD: NEWTON (PIX TO COME)

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