Frantic police search after golf legend Jack Newton goes missing
Australian golf legend Jack Newton reportedly went missing for around four hours on Wednesday, with worried family and friends calling police.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the 70-year-old Newton was with friends and family in Newcastle when he disappeared around 5.30pm.
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Newton had been at an apartment on Wharf Road when he 'strolled off', sparking a police search.
Family and friends are said to have alerted Newcastle City Police District at 9.18pm when they hadn't heard from him.
He was found safe and well a few blocks away at 9.30pm.
Police were told Newton left the building without telling anyone.
In October, the Sunday Telegraph revealed that Newton is battling Alzheimer's disease and is suffering from short-term memory loss.
He has reportedly quit alcohol and cigarettes and started a strict exercise regime.
“Jack hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol or a smoke for 18 months,” wife Jackie said last year.
“It’s been a big lifestyle change but he’s exercising regularly and going OK.”
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.”
Newton's father Jack Sr died from Alzheimer's in his late 60s.
Jack Newton among Australia's finest golfers
Newton is one of Australia's finest golfers, winning 13 titles across a 12-year professional career.
He won the Buick-Goodwrench Open in 1978 for his maiden title on the PGA Tour and finished second at the Masters and British Open.
At the 1975 British Open he famously lost to Tom Watson in a playoff after setting the course record in the third round with a brilliant 65.
He was awarded the PGA Tour of Australia's Order of Merit in 1979 and finished tied for second at the 1980 Masters tournament behind winner Seve Ballesteros.
His career was cruelly ended in 1983 when he lost his right arm and an eye when he walked into a plane's propeller at Sydney Airport.
He also suffered serious injuries to his abdomen in the near-fatal accident.
His son Clint played 11 seasons in the NRL with the Newcastle Knights, Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers.
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