Get ready for a surprising twist in the world of sports! Ash Barty, the tennis legend who conquered three Grand Slam titles, is trading her racket for golf clubs—and she’s stepping onto the green at the NZ Open pro-am this week. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after retiring from tennis to focus on family, Barty’s golf game has taken a backseat. So, how will she fare? Let’s dive in.
Ash Barty, the former world number one in tennis, is gearing up to ‘dust off the cobwebs’ from her golf clubs as she joins the star-studded NZ Open pro-am at Millbrook Resort. Partnering with DP World Tour player Anthony Quayle, Barty—who plays off a handicap of four—is set to share the course with sporting icons like ex-cricketer Ricky Ponting and 11-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater. But here’s the kicker: Barty admits she’s played just two rounds of golf in the past two years. Will her natural athleticism save the day, or is she in for a humbling experience?
The NZ Open’s pro-am event, part of a $1.69 million tournament, has become a must-watch spectacle, drawing comparisons to iconic events at Pebble Beach and St Andrews. This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, featuring not only Barty but also cricket legends Ricky Ponting and Stephen Fleming, alongside former All Blacks stars Jeff Wilson and Israel Dagg. And this is the part most people miss: while Barty’s tennis career was defined by precision and pressure, golf is a different beast entirely. Can she translate her skills, or will the unpredictability of the sport catch her off guard?
Barty’s approach to the event is refreshingly laid-back. ‘This is a beautiful place to visit, a beautiful place to play golf,’ the 29-year-old said. ‘It’ll be nice to dust the cobwebs off the clubs.’ She jokingly added, ‘The good thing is I’m fresh and there are no demons… so what could possibly go wrong?’ But here’s where it gets controversial: is her ‘no-stress’ attitude a recipe for success, or a sign she’s underestimating the challenge?
Anthony Quayle, Barty’s playing partner, seems unfazed by her self-deprecating humor. ‘For such an incredible athlete, each time I’ve asked her how her lead-in to this event has been, she’s like, ‘Oh, it’s just terrible, the game’s terrible, I just haven’t played enough,’ he shared. But after watching her sink eight putts in a row with a custom Wimbledon Odyssey putter, Quayle quipped, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. You could be a bit of an over-achiever here.’ So, here’s the question: Is Barty’s modesty genuine, or is she playing mind games with herself—and us?
As Barty steps onto the green, one thing is clear: her transition from tennis to golf is more than just a casual hobby. It’s a testament to her versatility as an athlete and her love for competition. But will her limited practice time be her downfall, or will she surprise everyone—including herself? What do you think? Is Ash Barty’s golf game destined for greatness, or is she in for a reality check? Let us know in the comments!
