The man with “nine lives” tells Rose Fydler he never thought he’d live to see little Matilda – the newest star in a family of sporting thoroughbreds.
Grandfather is a title that can’t be won with a set of clubs – but as golfing legend Jack Newton smiles down at little Matilda Ann Dixon, it seems the most precious of all.
“She’s gorgeous, an Aquarian like me, and a big girl who was 4.42kg and 53.5cm long,” boasts besotted “Papa Jack”, 60.
The former Australian Open champ turned TV commentator has been celebrating since February 11, when Matilda was born to his golf pro daughter Kristie and her husband, former Hawthorn AFL player Ben Dixon.
“Everyone says becoming a grandparent is a feeling you can’t describe, and when you see one of your own propagate the next generation, that’s when it hits home. She looks identical to photos of Kristie as a baby – they are two very beautiful girls.”
With Kristie’s brother Clint playing rugby league for UK club Hull KR, Matilda’s solid gold sporting gene pool may just influence her future, according to her grandpa.
“It’s far too early for her to hold a golf club, but her strong shoulders and big hands and feet tell me she will certainly play something well in her life,” a proud Jack grins.
He’s visiting Melbourne from Newcastle, NSW, with wife Jackie, an elegant English former model he teases has contributed “blue blood” rather than sporty blood.
Jackie, who witnessed Matilda’s birth, shed tears along with Ben as he helped deliver his little angel.
For the story see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale April 5, 2010.
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