In an event full of stars, it was 14-year-old Jesse Linden who outshone them all at The Jack at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley this week.
The Cessnock local became the youngest ever winner in the golf tournament’s 46-year history.
On his final shot, the teenager finished one under par on the ninth with a score of 76.
With his proud mum, dad and little sister by his side, he etched his name into folklore at the much-loved sporting soiree founded by the late Jack Newton.
Linden edged out cricketer Justin Avendano, who led after day one, and world long drive champion Matt Stubbs.
The celebrity field saw the Mad Hueys come out on top, with Dean Harrington in first place on 96, Shaun Harrington equal second on 95 with magician Mike Webb.
Ryan Helton claimed third spot on 93.
“It was another brilliant edition,” Clint Newton said.
“Away from the course, guests were treated to a performance that would be seen nowhere else in the world.
“Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan, The Voice Australia victor Judah Kelly and Blake Noll took to the stage with house band Rubber Bullet.
“Blake’s father, Shannon, then stepped up with his son to perform his classic Lift.
“The whole crowd joined in and more than a few thoughts at that moment were with dad and former Prime Minister and event Patron Bob Hawke.
“On more than one occasion, the latter told the story of Jack’s incredible strength and love for his wife Jackie and kids as he fought his way back from his 1983 accident to leave a legacy no one in this room or indeed the country will ever forget.”
The money raised at The Jack goes towards Jack Newton Junior Golf.
It was established in 1986 to introduce more young people to the game, to nurture their skills and to create pathways through the sport.
The cast of luminaries included AFL’s Ben Dixon, Nick Davis and Richard Champion, Glen Munsie, actors Brayden Dunbar and Justin Melvey, cricketers Carly Leeson, Grace Dignam, Avendano and Grant Stewart, presenters Christian Jantzen and Matt Thompson, Frank Barrett (Newcastle Knights media manager), Clint Kimmins (Bondi Rescue), boxers Dennis Hogan, Richard Fogarty and Wade Ryan, surfer Glenn Hall, rugby league quartet Josh Morris, Lindsay Smith, Luke Burgess and Matt Moylan, My Kitchen Rules winners Luke Stewart and Matt Gawthrop, Dolan, music legend Shannon Noll and comedian Tahir Bilgic.
For more community stories:
- Much-loved Newcastle charities given ‘world-famous’ support
- The heart of local tennis calls time
- Adam and Belinda MacDougall: Paying it forward
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