Australian golf legend Jack Newton found after briefly going missing
Jack Newton was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and briefly went missing last night near his home in Newcastle.
A police statement was issued last night hoping to locate Australian golf legend Jack Newton who had gone missing from his home in Newcastle.
The search was called off a few hours later after Newton was found a few streets away.
Australian golf legend Jack Newton was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease last year and reportedly left his house last night without anybody realizing.
Great news police tell me Jack has been found safe and well!!
— Steve Hart (@SteveHart10News) March 31, 2021
Newton won 13 professional golf tournaments in his career including the 1972 Dutch Open, 1978 Buick Open, 1979 Australian Open and lost the 1975 Open Championship at Carnoustie in a playoff to Tom Watson.
Newton’s wife Jackie told the Sunday Telegraph last October that after his diagnosis Newton has quit drinking and smoking.
“Jack hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol or a smoke for 18 months,” wife Jackie said.
“It’s been a big lifestyle change, but he’s exercising regularly and going OK.”
Newton’s son Clint said: “We’re so proud of the sacrifices he’s made in the last 18 months.
“He’s been a drinker and a smoker since his late teens. To give it all away cold turkey is incredible. This is his new challenge.”
As someone who works with researchers who endeavour to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, I can attest to the horrible, demoralising nature of this disease for the sufferers and associated friends and family.
We wish Jack and his family well.