"There was a guy from Taree and another guy from South Australia who were off scratch," Green recalled. "I was well behind those guys and it showed where I was in comparison. I realised I had to work a bit harder."

Green went on to become one of Australia's leading professionals. He won the Canadian Open in 2009 and spent a decade in the US on the PGA and second-tier tours.

The now 44-year-old, who has scaled back playing since returning to Australia in 2014 and joining brother Darren at the Toronto Country Club, will tee up in the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Tuesday.

"The Jack" as it is known turns 41 this year. The 36-hole tournament - the longest running celebrity pro-am in Australia - has raised more the $6.5 million for junior golf and diabetes.

As it has done since its inception in 1979 in Noosa Heads, the charity event has attracted a who's who of sport and entertainment.

As well as the professionals and stars of stage and screen, Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) graduates Josh Fuller, Ethan Chambers, Monica Johnson and Kara Williams are in the field.

"The foundation continues to give kids great opportunities," said Green, who's nephew Jacob Dundas finished second at the recent Champions Trophy at Bonville. "It gives them exposure to four-round tournament golf. They get to travel to different events around the state and play against the best kids in their age divisions. As well as the tournaments, Mark Ingrey (JNJG northern territory manager) runs the 'juniors on the move program' which is aimed at getting more kids interested in golf."

After fading in the final round of the Australian Open, Green is looking forward to the relaxed atmosphere of The Jack.

"At the end of the second round my game started to go," he said. "I get more nervous and anxious now than I did when I was playing full-time because it is a bit of an unknown. I had the yips on the last day with the driver and the three wood. There is a chance that it could have been my last Australian Open and it would have been nice to finish with a good round. "

Green is due tee off at Crowne Plaza at 1.08pm but he is also the first reserve for the $1.5 million Australian PGA Championships which starts on Thursday, and may have to make a rushed trip to the Gold Coast.

"If I get the call, I have to drop everything and head up there," Green said. "I will prepare as if I am playing at The Jack. It's a great couple of days up there. My score doesn't really matter as long as I am in a good, fun group."

* Josh Robards capped an outstanding junior career by being awarded the Master of the Masters at the JNJG presentation night in Sydney.

The NSW junior team member finished with the best average from the nine two-day masters events held across the state.

* Harry Atkinson bounced back to form to win the 13-years division of the Greg Norman Masters at the Gold Coast last week. Atkinson carded rounds of 76,70,75,77 to win by a stroke and a tough year on a high.

"Harry is one of the better ball-strikers but has been struggling to get the ball in the hole," JNJG northern territory manager Mark Ingrey said. "His chipping and putting left him and he lost his confidence. He has been working hard to correct it and hopefully this is a turning point."

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