Celebrity players set to descend on the Hunter Valley

15 – 17 December 2014 @ Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels and Resorts

Five weeks from today, over 200 golfers will arrive in the NSW Hunter Valley to take a coveted spot in an event they wait for all year, The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic.

Preparations are being made at the stunning Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels and Resorts. The greens and the poolside marquee are getting some extra special attention.This is the one time of the year, when the stars of the scene, stage, business, politics and sporting fields combine to create the ultimate three days of world class golf, music and entertainment, good times, fundraising and fancy dress.

Anyone who has been to the event over the years agrees on one thing, when Jack Newton puts on a party, you make it your business to be there. Three days of memories that will last a life time. For that reason, there are players who return any chance they get. 2014 is no exception.  NRL greats Wally Lewis and Terry Lamb, House Husband cast mates Gyton Grantley, Lincon Lewis and Rhys Muldoon, Wonderland cast members Ben Mingay and Tim Ross and Channel 7 presenter James Tobin will all join us again this year.

Former Prime Minister and Patron of the event Bob Hawkewill also join the field again this year. Former Prime Minister Hawke, who just received a standing ovation when paying tribute to Gough Whitlam at his memorial service, will feature on tonight’s episode of Australian story. If the stories he shares at the Classic are any indication, it will be must see TV.

Some new blood is also joining the exclusive group, including members of some of the best Australian bands.Darren Middleton (Powderfinger) and Paul Dempsey andClint Hyman (Something for Kate) and Swimmer and Olympic Gold Medal winner, Matthew Targett

This spectacular mix of players, come together to raise money for two causes close to the heart of their host, Jack Newton. The tournament, which is now in its 36^th year, has raised over 3.5 million dollars for Diabetes education and prevention and Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation.

The long list of players who came through Jack Newton Junior Golf and are now playing on the Pro circuit are testament to the program’s success. Names like Nikki Garrett, James Nitties, Ewan Porter and Brendan Smith, all of whom will be part of the Celebrity Classic field this year.

On a side note, Last year, The Newcastle Herald, ran a feature marking the anniversary of Jack Newton’s accident in 1983 and the incredible 30 years since. A rare look into the private life of a man who will talk about sport any day of the week but doesn’t like talking about himself. Earlier this month, the feature, written by Rosemarie Milsom, was named Best Feature Story at NSW Regional Media Awards. We wanted to take this opportunity to thanks The Newcastle Herald, Rosemarie Milson and photographer Simone De Peak on a stellar job. If you missed the story you can find the online version here.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1710524/gallery-jack-newton-30-years-after-the-accident/

There will be regular updates on The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic facebook page, where you can grab a slice of the history and keep up to date with the latest news or you can follow us on twiitter JackNewtonCC. #thejack.

Members of the public are welcome to come and watch all the action on the golf course and soak up the surroundings in the spectacular Hunter Valley.

The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.