Ash Barty is returning to the arena… in golf. She’ll take on some of sport’s biggest names – the star power is wild.
Less than a month after shocking the world by announcing her immediate retirement from tennis, Ash Barty is back. Kind of.
The tennis sensation will take on some of the biggest sports stars in the world, entering a unique golf exhibition tournament, called the Icon Series.
Barty will play for the Rest of the World team featuring Harry Kane, Canelo Alvarez, Pep Guardiola and captain Ernie Els – worth a combined $357 million worth of earnings.
Team USA will also field an insane lineup, headlined by swimming’s Michael Phelps, boxing’s Oscar De La Hoya, NFL’s Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Strahan, plus captain Fred Couples – worth around $986 million.
The inaugural Icons Series is happening at National Golf Club in New Jersey, June 30 and July 1. There are set to be more tournaments in Europe, Asia and Australia.
Self-confessed ‘sports nut’ Ash Barty is a former ladies champion at her local golf club Brookwater. She actually won a weekend tournament there, just days after announcing her retirement.
Barty is said to play off a handicap of four at the course, while her fiancée Garry Kissick is a PGA trainee professional at the club.
“It’s such a unique opportunity to have fun, test yourself and compete,” Barty told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Barty is hoping to bring the tournament to her native Queensland for the Australian edition, after taking out a stake in the series. It could also be held in New South Wales or Victoria.