PLANS are underway to make the 2021 Jack Newton Celebrity Classic the biggest and best yet after COVID restrictions forced the cancellation of the tournament for the first time in the 41-year history of the event.
The Jack, as it is known, has become an institution since the tournament was first played in 1979, attracting some the biggest names in Australian sport and stage. Along the way, it has raised more than $7 million for Diabetes Australia and junior golf.
The year's tournament was to be held at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley from December 14-16, before the gut-wrenching call last week to put it on hold for 12 months.
"It is incredibly disappointing but it is the right call," said Clint Newton, who has taken over the running of the event in recent years.
Many of the players, sponsors and celebrities travel from interstate.
The NSW government announced on Wednesday that the border would open to Victoria later this month, but with other state borders remaining closed and social distancing protocols still in place, the tournament would have been diminished.
"It got to the point where we had to make a call," Newton said. "Realistically we didn't want to compromise on the quality of the event. One of the fundamental pillars is to be able to provide people an opportunity to connect and build relationships or reconnect after being apart for a year. With the COVID restrictions, that made it particularly difficult.
"The pleasing thing is that we have had a flood of support from people who had planned to come and have committed to next year. We haven't had one major sponsor withdraw, which demonstrates the strength of the tournament and, more importantly, the strength of the relationship."
The three-day party, which includes a gala dinner and auction raises about $150,000 each year for the two beneficiaries.
"At its core we are looking to provide for two organisations that are close to my father's and my family's heart in diabetes and Jack Newton Junior Golf," Newton said. "It will have an impact on those two organisations, but at the same time we will look to build on things for next year. We will look to do a fundraiser early in the new year, most likely in Sydney. We are going to make 2021 the biggest and best ever."
Professional Brendan Smith, who came through the JNJG foundation and has Type One Diabetes, won the 36-hole championship last year - his second victory.
Former rugby league international Craig Wing won the celebrity section with 75 stableford points. Jockey Josh Parr and comedian Tihir Bilgic were next on 71 points.
Rugby League immortal Wally Lewis, who was supported The Jack for 37 years, is the patron of the tournament.
He took over from former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who passed away in May.
"We are not the only ones who are not able to play this year," Newton said. "We are just one of a number or organisations which have been affected by COVID."
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