The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic

The Jack Newton Celebrity Classic 2015 will be the event's 37th year and we are thrilled to announce that this flagship event has a stunning new home.
 
The first part of the event's history was forged on the Sunshine Coast and 8 years ago Jack Newton moved the event to his home stomping ground just a short drive west of Newcastle, not wanting to venture away from this stunning part of the country. The 2015 Jack Newton Celebrity Classic will be held from 14 - 16 December in the heart of the Hunter Valley at the region's leading resort, the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.

Invitees are given the same advice every year from host Jack Newton. At the welcome BBQ on the first night, Jack reminds those who like to play hard and party hard that "it's a Melbourne Cup not a Golden Slipper". In other words, pace yourselves. Now the event have a lot more in common with the Melbourne Cup. Last year in a gripping 3 way play off, local Belmont golfer, Polly Goldman became the first overall female winner of the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. We seem to have started a tend with this years Melbourne Cup also boasting it's first ever female winner, Michelle Payne.

 
Affectionately known as "The Jack", the tournament is one of the hottest invites in the country for golf lovers. Since its inception in 1979, the event has played host to the best golfers and biggest names in sports, politics, stage and screen. Our event Patron, Former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke is a regular fixture and can often be spotted on the course with a club in one hand and a cigar in the other.  Kram from Spiderbait and Clint Hyndman from Something for Kate attended for the first time last year and during his on stage performance, Kram let the crowd know he was coming back next year whether he was invited or not - we think that meant he had a good time.

Speaking of players for this years event, Kram is indeed on his way back. Along with Ian "Dicko" Dickson, who will be back in the Judges chair in 2016 for Australia's Got Talent, House Husbands Gary Sweet, Red Bull pilot Matt Hall and regular Footy Show panelist Brett Finch. Father and son, league legend, Wally Lewis and actor Lincoln Lewis are both attending this year. Lincoln has been coming with his dad since he could walk and Wally has only missed 3 tournaments in the events 37 years. All our players in 2015 will be joining us for a new era with the change to the course at the Crowne Plaza in the gorgeous Hunter Valley.
 
The move will see invitees playing the 36 hole tournament on the scenic 18-hole championship Hunter Valley Golf Course offering premium facilities, service and unparalleled natural beauty. Our celebrities and pros alike, used to the relaxed atmosphere at The Jack, will enjoy a game surrounded by undulating hills, picturesque lakes, lush greens, abundant wildlife and stunning views of the Brokenback Mountain Range in the distance.
 
During the 3 days the star studded group will spend at the resort, their needs both on and off the course will be well catered for. The resort's newest addition, the Hunter Valley Conference & Events Centre, can hold up to 1600 delegates and will be the venue for the tournaments dinner events. The resort also boasts 150 hotel rooms as well as 165 beautifully appointed  2 and 3 bedroom Villas. The resort also has the region's largest heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, a gym and the newly renovated & extended Ubika Spa.
 
Taking full advantage of the resorts extensive leisure facilities, guests at the Celebrity Golf Tournament will be able to truly relax and rejuvenate at the end of a long day on the course. The kids are also well taken care of with train rides, a carousel, kids club and plenty of outdoor activities.
 
World renowned for its innovative cuisine and fine wines, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia's most famous food & wine destinations. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley restaurants, lounges and bars offer guests a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience that showcase the region's fresh, local produce. In addition, golfers will love the Lovedale Brewery located adjacent to the Lovedale Bar.  Brewing small batches, each variant is designed to epitomise the local style, personality and people of the suburbs that make the region.  Recently the brewery's Lovedale Lager won the Australia Trophy for Best European Style Lager at the Australian International Beer Awards.
 
With all these features unique to the area, The Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is the perfect new home for the celebrated Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. With the celebrity list for this year already shaping up to be better than ever we are looking forward to the first tee off in our new home.