Brent Read’s tribute to Australian golf legend Jack Newton OAM who died aged 72
From the tragic accident and his love for Augusta to the Newcastle Knights and that famous commentary style, Brent Read reflects on the life of Jack Newton OAM.
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When it came to giving a name to his sprawling house and property in Newcastle, Jack Newton settled on Augusta, the famed course that hosts the Masters every year.
It was Newton’s way of honouring a place that, for all the agony, held an indelible place in his heart. Newton, who has died at the age of 72, was among the group of Australians who endured torment at Augusta, but he loved it all the same.
He played there five times before losing his right eye and arm in an accident with a light aircraft propeller in 1983. He later returned as the sharpest commentator in Australian golf.
A decade ago, I sat down with Newton at his Augusta while researching a book on Adam Scott’s win at the Masters. Newton, as always, was in the mood for a chat.
Get Newton talking about golf and he was hard to shut up. He loved the game and what it gave him. His other great love was the Newcastle Knights, where his son Clint forged a successful rugby league career.
Newton had an affinity for the Knights during a time when the players at the club played hard and partied hard. He was cut from the same cloth.
Even when a tragic accident cut short his golf career, he let it all hang out in the commentary box. For a long time, he was the voice of Australian golf.
As golfing fans, we settled in for the summer and listened to Newton commentate without fear or favour. He had earned the right to do so through a career that was cruelly cut short in its prime.
Newton turned professional in 1971 and the following year he won the Dutch Open on the European Tour. A week later he won again, but majors were what he craved and he had his chances.
In 1975, he gave Tom Watson the fright of his life at the Open Championship. Watson needed the help of a wire fence and a chip-in at the 14th to fend off Newton for the claret jug.
That tournament helped inspire a young Greg Norman to greatness. It was the moment when Norman decided he wanted to win the Open. He went on to win the claret jug twice, although the relationship between Norman and Newton was fraught over the years.
Newton was among the honour roll of Australians who gave the Masters a shake as well. He went closest in 1980, only to lose to a young Spaniard by the name of Seve Ballesteros.
“That year with Seve, I think I was nine behind with nine to play,” Newton recalled.
“I was playing with him. I got back to three and then he hooked it into the trees on 14. I thought I really had a chance.
“Well, I know I had a chance because Seve and I were good friends when we played in Europe. He used to come and ask me to watch him hit balls.
“So he taught me all the swear words in Spanish. He was letting it rip. He was goneski. He hit it in the water three times. He hit it in the water on 11, then he hit it in the water on 12, and then he hit it in the water on 13.
“And I went birdie, birdie, birdie. With the pine trees the ball normally drops straight down. It’s pot luck whether you’re up against a tree or not. His must have hit a branch and gone left.
“Just far enough left that he hit a ball over the top of those trees, which only he could do – he was a miracle man from trouble. He got it up and down.”
Newton loved the Masters.
“I played shit the first year (I was there),” he said. “I wore a new pair of golf shoes like an imbecile. I thought at Augusta I should wear a new pair of golf shoes.
“That’s the sort of hype the place has got. It’s a pro golfer’s dream to play there. You go in the club and the food is great. They have an unbelievable set-up. They have some of the best red wine in the world. It’s cheap, not expensive. It’s the duck’s guts.”
His life changed forever in 1983 when he walked into the propeller of a Cessna 210. Newton had been to a Sydney Swans game, but was in a hurry to get back to Newcastle.
It was dark and raining. The plane had started to taxi and Newton wanted to capture the attention of the pilot. He waved his arm and disaster struck.
He was given a less than 50 per cent chance of survival. A priest circled his bed. His golfing career was over but he had his life, he had his children and he had the commentary box.
He also began his foundation, which helped nurture the careers of some of the country’s elite players. Alumni include the likes of James Nitties, Dimi Papadatos and PGA Tour winner Cameron Davis. Female alumni include Ladies European Tour winners Steph Kyriacou, Rebecca Artis and Nicki Garrett.
As a commentator, Newton called a spade a spade. He once famously upset Scott in a press conference when he questioned his putting technique. His comments afterwards provided a snapshot into his commentary style.
“What had I done?” Newton would say. “I hadn‘t done anything to him. I don’t sit in the commentary box and criticise people because I want to criticise them. I try to offer at all times constructive criticism.”
He educated and enlightened a generation of Australians on the sport of golf. His celebrity tournament, which raised funds for his foundation and diabetes, became a magnet for celebrities.
They came for a good cause, but they also came because if Jack was involved, there were guaranteed a good time. The Newton family released a statement announcing his passing on Friday morning. Newton had been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and at the age of 72, the sporting world had lost an icon.
“His passion for sport and contributing to future generations of golfers and the Australian community demonstrates the character of our father, beloved husband, proud brother, adoring grandfather, and maverick mate,” the statement read.
“His passion for sport and contributing to future generations of golfers and the Australian community demonstrates the character of our father, beloved husband, proud brother, adoring grandfather, and maverick mate.
“Dad’s legacy will live on through his wife Jackie, daughter Kristie, son Clint, grandchildren Matilda, Hope, Jessie, Noah, Paige, and Indie.
“In true Jack Newton style, we will celebrate his incredible life; however, for now, our family asks for privacy and we appreciate everyone’s love, support, and friendship throughout his life.”
Australian golf legend Jack Newton OAM dies aged 72
- Erin Smith
Australian golf legend Jack Newton OAM died overnight from health complications at the age of 72, his family has announced.
He is being remembered as a “fearless competitor” and much loved dad.
Newton, had an outstanding golfing career between 1971 and 1983.
He won the Buick-Goodwrench Open PGA Tour in 1978, securing 13 professional wins during his stellar career.
There is no doubt Newton would have gone on to win many more titles had his career not been cut short by a tragic accident, where he walked into a plane’s propeller in 1983, losing his right arm, an eye and part of his abdomen.
Newton’s family released a touching statement this morning, confirming the much loved dad, grandfather and husband, had passed away.
“On behalf of our family, it is with great sadness I announce that our courageous and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and mate, Jack Newton OAM has passed away overnight due to health complications,” the statement read.
“Dad was a fearless competitor and iconic Australian, blazing a formidable trail during his professional golfing career between 1971 and 1983 before his career tragically ended following an accident involving an aeroplane propeller at the age of 33.
“He fought back from tremendous adversity as only he could, and chose to selflessly invest his time, energy, and effort towards giving back to the community through his Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation, sports commentary, golf course design, and raising significant funds for several charities, most notably, diabetes.
“His passion for sport and contributing to future generations of golfers and the Australian community demonstrates the character of our father, beloved husband, proud brother, adoring grandfather, and maverick mate.
“Dad’s legacy will live on through his wife Jackie, daughter Kristie, son Clint, grandchildren Matilda, Hope, Jessie, Noah, Paige, and Indie.
“In true Jack Newton style, we will celebrate his incredible life; however, for now, our family asks for privacy and we appreciate everyone’s love, support, and friendship throughout his life.”
Newton celebrated major wins on the USPGA Tour, the British Match Play and Australian Open.
He finished second in the British Open after an 18 hole playoff with Tom Watson.
Following the accident Newton turned his attention to developing junior golfers.
He established the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation in 1986 - a program that would help countless young golfers on a path to professional careers.
The foundation also developed programs for indigenous, disabled and young people - so people of all abilities could enjoy the game.
His work with junior golfers and success on the course led him to be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2016.
The golf legend was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the same disease that claimed his father’s life in his late 60s.
In April last year, police were called to search for Newton, after he disappeared.
He was found a few blocks from his Newcastle home several hours later.
Newton was open about his diagnosis and made some big lifestyle changes, including giving up smoking and drinking, to try and fight the disease.
Others have already taken to social media to share their fond memories of Newton.
Golf broadcaster Luke Elvy shared on Twitter: “As a young boy playing golf in NSW, Jack Newton’s Jr foundation was great fun. As an adult getting to know Jack & work with an Aussie legend was everything. His rare golf talent, charisma & larrikin behaviour was intoxicating. Shattered for Jackie & family.”
Few have had a greater impact on the development of junior golfers in Oz than Jack Newton - the JN foundation beginning in '86. Not to mention the short game improvement of thousands with the Jack Newton Putting Partner, down the hallways of homes across the country. RIP Jack.
— David Riccio (@DaveRic1) April 14, 2022
Rest in Peace Jack Newton. Loved his family, golf, footy and a beer. Admired by so many.
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) April 14, 2022
As a young boy playing golf in NSW, Jack Newton’s Jr foundation was great fun. As an adult getting to know Jack & work with an Aussie legend was everything. His rare golf talent, charisma & larrikin behaviour was intoxicating. Shattered for Jackie & family. #RIPJackNewton
— Luke Elvy (@Luke_Elvy) April 14, 2022
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is mourning the passing of esteemed Member, Jack Newton OAM who has passed away aged 72.
— Sport Australia Hall of Fame (@sportaushof) April 14, 2022
Our thoughts are with Jack’s family and friends, the golfing community and all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/JaER8wZpcb
Originally published as Brent Read’s tribute to Australian golf legend Jack Newton OAM who died aged 72
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