Newton delays on job offer

Press, 27 September 1983, Page 32

Newton delays on job offer

NZPA Sydney The former champion golfer, Jack Newton, is delaying a decision on his future despite an offer from the Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, of a job with the Australian Sports Commission.

The job is expected to involve working with young golfers, an area Newton would like to work in.

Newton, aged 33, left hospital last Friday after two months of surgery and treatment following an accident in July in which he lost his right arm and the sight of his right eye. The accident happened when Newton walked into the spinning propeller of a light aircraft at Sydney airport. Newton’s wife, Jackie, said yesterday that Jack was putting off decisions about his future until he felt stronger. The Prime Minister visited Newton twice in hospital but the golfer’s poor health prevented further visits.

“Mr Hawke has spoken to Jack about the Commission but Jack has got quite a few things in the pipeline,” said his wife. “They haven’t gone into it in great detail. Jack’s most important challenge now is to get strong again, and that’s what he is concentrating on.”

Jackie said: “just being home is good rehabilitation for him and I think he’s already started to put some weight back on with the home cooking.”

Newton and his wife and two children are staying with his parents in the Sydney suburb of Carlingford while he attends a rehabilitation programme.