Golfing father figure Jack Newton is reportedly suffering from meningococcal disease.

The 52-year-old, whose glittering career included victories at the Australian Open and NSW Open, is thought to have contracted the disease along with two others in Newcastle.

Channel Nine news reported Newton was undergoing treatment in the John Hunter Hospital, near Newcastle, and was expected to make a full recovery.

Hospital officials confirmed to AAP: "We have three people being treated for meningococcal disease."

A news conference is expected to be held at the hospital on Wednesday afternoon, involving members of Newton's family, a doctor and public health officer.

Newton, now a golfing commentator, writer and course designer, turned professional in 1970 and won the Dutch Open and Benson & Hedges Classic two years later.

In 1975 he was runner-up at the British Open, losing by one stroke to Tom Watson in an 18-hole play-off.

Having won over 20 tournaments on four continents, Newton switched to the US Tour before returning to Australia.

In 1980, Newton finished runner-up to Seve Ballesteros at the US Masters, but only three years later his career was ended by an horrific injury.

He lost his right arm and eye in a freak aeroplane accident, but it failed to dull his enthusiasm for the game and he set up an academy aimed at introducing golf to youngsters.

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