‘You’re something else’: Ash Barty tees off into the world of golf
Tennis retiree Ash Barty has agreed to play in a global golf tournament alongside some big names in an exhibition event in June 2022.
The announcement comes after the tennis star left fans amazed at a hush practice range session during the US Open in 2021 and won a women’s tournament held in Queensland in April 2022.
The new Icon Series will be aired on Australian television and is a nine-hole team match-play tournament held in New Jersey at the Liberty National Golf Club.
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, Icons Series chief executive Thomas Brookes said Barty’s skill is “absolutely terrific”.
“She did a range session with Ian Poulter, who is one of our future captains in September when she was at the US Open, and she had not hit a golf ball for a while. Ian said, ‘just hit a few balls and we’ll see how you go’,” Brookes said.
“She hit this ball, I don’t know how far. And he turned around and said, ‘you’re having me on. Let’s just take it a bit deeper. Can you do me a high fade?’ And she did a high fade. Then he said, ‘can you do me a low draw?’ And she did a low draw.
“He said, ‘oh my goodness, you are something else’. She’s got those skillsets within her locker.”
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The tournament will be battled out between sporting world greats, with Barty playing on the Rest of the World Team alongside soccer legends Pep Guardiola and Harry Kane, captained by pro golfer Ernie Els.
Barty and her team will go up against Team USA, captained by pro golfer Fred Couples, including 23-time Olympic swimmer gold medallist Michael Phelps.
“I’m excited to be part of the Icons Series and I hope through my participation in the series that we can encourage more women and girls to participate in golf around the world,” she said.
“The series is also a great opportunity for athletes to have an impact on local community and charity projects in each of the host destinations.
“It’s such a unique opportunity to have fun, test yourself and compete against the world’s greatest athletes in a sport that we are all so passionate about. I can’t wait to experience Liberty National and learn from our iconic captain Ernie Els. I hope all the Aussie fans in New York and New Jersey come out to cheer us on.”
Fans have been eagerly waiting to find out the 25-year-old’s next move after she shocked the world with news of her retirement, just six weeks after winning the Australian Open women’s singles title.
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