Sam Newman says campaign to play golf isn’t out of self interest — he can’t play due to injury
Sam Newman has got everyone talking with his one-man protest over the golf ban. Now in a twist the TV host has revealed his mission isn’t out of self interest — he can’t even play the sport at the moment.
Confidential
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Sam Newman’s campaign to play golf has taken a twist, with the TV host admitting he can’t even take to the course.
Newman staged a one man protest over a week ago on the steps of parliament, turning up with his golf clubs and in golf attire to demand Premier Daniel Andrews overturn the sport’s ban.
Golf is currently banned under tough stay at home measures in place to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The ban has been the subject of anger among keen golfers, with other states still allowing the sport to be played.
Newman, 74, said he is suffering from tendinitis in his arm which would prevent him from playing now anyway.
“It’ll make a few people happy, it’s as sore as buggery,” he told the Herald Sun.
“I couldn’t play golf even if I wanted to.
“It’s not in self interest, it’s based on pure and unadulterated logic.
“It’s just stubborn, legitimate nonsense. He (Andrews) would see that as a sign of strength (not to relent), but it’s a sign of weakness.”
Newman has divided opinion with his quest for golf, even butting heads with Eddie McGuire on radio.
He received support from the likes of Shane Warne, Dale Thomas and Nick Riewoldt.
Newman said he understood there were greater issues but he knew more about coronavirus than anyone.
“I’ll put my knowledge of the virus up against anyone making a public statement,” Newman said.
“I’ve been watching it for six weeks on world or local news and I can tell you all there is to know about it.
“I could name you 50 businesses that are open and doing business activity, leisure, domestic functions, all more hazardous than playing golf.
“People say it’s an elite sport, you tell that to tens of thousands of people who play day to day.
“Golf is an extraordinarily popular sport and it gives people joy.”
Newman, who said US president Donald Trump is doing a “fantastic job” said he was enjoying the banter of people disagreeing with him.
“It’s great entertainment during a lockdown when you can’t do anything else - trawling through the dumbasses,’’ he said.
“It’s enjoyable.”