[Photo: Tim Bradshaw]

Jack Newton would be proud.

Jesse Linden, a 14-year-old from Newton’s hometown of Cessnock, has taken out “The Jack” to become the youngest winner of the famous year-end celebrity golf event in its 46-year history.

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The last day of play at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley ended with a tense finish. Cricketer Justin Avendano led after day one with a score of 41 Stableford points and stayed on top after his second round for much of Wednesday, finishing with 34, making his total of 75 points the score to beat. As the afternoon ended, Linden and world long-drive champion Matt Stubbs were both close to overtaking him with their final shots.

Finishing on the ninth hole, Linden came in at one-under-par for a 36-hole Stableford score of 76 points. With his proud mum, dad and younger sister by his side, Linden became part of the legacy left by event founder Newton.

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The money raised at The Jack goes towards Jack Newton Junior Golf. Established in 1986 to introduce more young people to the game of golf, to nurture their skills, and to create pathways through the sport. With this much skill at such a young age, Linden is a testament to the program’s success.

As the gathered crowd celebrated Linden’s win, golfers lined up to compete in the closest-to-the-pin Shootout on the Rydges Party Hole 18th. With cash, a Finn scooter from Rydr Golf and a $15,000 battery system thanks to Harris Electrical Solar up for grabs, each player purchased a chance to have a shot amid some fierce competition. After coming so close to taking out the tournament proper, the crowd was thrilled to see Avendano take first place.

With all the on-course action done, guests headed into the presentation dinner hosted by Richard Champion where Linden stepped up to claim his prize. The young prodigy’s skills are the envy of every golfer in the room.

The celebrity field saw the Mad Hueys come out on top, with Dean Harrington in first place on 96, with Shaun Harrington finishing equal second on 95 alongside magician Mike Webb.