Mark Evans
18dec00

IF tennis brat Mark Philippoussis was trying to keep a low profile yesterday, he was about as subtle as a Scud missile.

Sporting a new peroxide hairdo and lairy Hawaiian outfit, he stood out a mile on the green at the annual Jack Newton Celebrity Classic on the Sunshine Coast.
But his appearance was the only thing loud about the Scud.

Requests for interviews by media representatives were denied.

It was his first public appearance since he snubbed his Davis Cup teammates at the final and he obviously wanted to avoid discussing the furore he created.

While the Scud was in stealth mode, other celebrity golfers were more forthcoming.

Retired superfish Kieren Perkins admitted he was "nervous" about the tournament and was upfront about his lack of golfing prowess: "I'm a swimmer for a very good reason. 'Hack' is probably the best word to describe my (golf) game."

Former prime minister and long-time tournament supporter Bob Hawke also tried to explain away his bad game by blaming jet-lag from a three-week round-the-world trip.

Other stars included Home And Away heart-throb Justin Melvey, a bare-footed comedian Jimeoin, Brisbane Bronco winger Wendell Sailor, international model Kristy Hinze, Wallabies captain John Eales and Hockeyroo Nikki Hudson.

Marcus Cain, Stuart Bouvier, Scott Gardiner and Craig Parry were among professional golfers scattered among the celebrities.

Funds raised from the Classic will go to the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation.