The Hunter Valley has a new sporting hero, and he’s too young to tell his mates about it on Snapchat.
Fourteen-year-old junior golfer Jesse Linden became the youngest winner in the 46-year history of The Jack, sealing victory at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley on the final day of play. While most teenagers would be blasting the news across their socials, Jesse is part of the new generation of Australian teens subject to the federal social-media ban, meaning one of the biggest moments of his young life can’t legally be shared with online friends who cheer him on.
Jesse’s win was the product of a tense final round that had the crowd hanging on every shot. Cricketer Justin Avendano set the pace early, leading after day one with 41 and backing it up with 34 on Wednesday for a total of 75. Through the afternoon, Jesse and world long-drive champion Matt Stubbs edged within striking distance. Then came the moment: Jesse’s final shot brought him in one under on the ninth, delivering a round of 76 and overtaking Avendano to claim the title. With his parents and little sister beside him, the Cessnock local added his name to a legacy shaped by fellow Cessnock great Jack Newton.
The Jack exists not just as a tournament, but as a testament to the power of junior golf. Funds raised support Jack Newton Junior Golf, established in 1986 to create pathways for young people in the sport. That mission was impossible to ignore as Jesse, the very embodiment of its purpose, stepped onto the podium at the presentation dinner hosted by Richard Champion. Despite finishing only one point behind, Avendano did taste victory later in the day, claiming first place in the high-stakes NTP Shootout on the Rydges Party Hole.
Later, Melbourne Cup–winning jockey Robbie Dolan, Voice winner Judah Kelly, and Blake Noll took to the stage with Newcastle Band Rubber Bullet for a rendition of Tennessee Whiskey that had the crowd roaring. Blake’s dad, Shannon Noll, joined him moments later for a heartfelt performance of Lift that stirred memories of the event’s founder and Patron Bob Hawke, whose stories of Newton’s resilience still echo through the room.
With that, another edition of The Jack comes to a close, the highlights continue to ripple out, just not from Jesse’s own social-media accounts. Full wrap-ups and outtakes can be found on The Jack’s Facebook and Instagram.
