The nib Newcastle Knights pay tribute to the life and legacy of Jack Newton OAM, following his passing at the age of 72.
Born in Cessnock, Jack Newton was a giant of the sport of golf and was well known and loved for his contribution to the sport, both in professional competition and in later years through Jack Newton Junior Golf, which was dedicated to the development of up and coming players.
A member of the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame, Jack was an Australian Open winner amongst 13 tournament victories earned during his competitive career. He also finished second at two majors — the British Open in 1975 and the Masters in 1980. That career was cut short in 1983 when Jack lost an eye and an arm after walking into the spinning propellor of a plane in Sydney.
In all, Jack and wife Jackie have raised over $20 million towards junior golf through the running of the annual Jack Newton Celebrity Classic, simply known as ‘The Jack’.
The father of Newcastle Knight number 139 and current Rugby League Players Association CEO Clint Newton, Jack’s love for the Knights was well known, and tales of his penchant for wearing a glass eye featuring the Knights logos have gone down in legend stretching back to the Club’s formative years.
Jack simply loved the Knights and Newcastle, no matter where he went around the world.
The Newcastle Knights will wear black armbands in honour of Jack Newton in Sunday’s National Rugby League clash with St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium.
Jack is survived by wife Jackie, daughter Kristie, son Clint, grandchildren Matilda, Hope, Jessie, Noah, Paige, and Indie.
May he Rest in Peace.
