Former world tennis No. 1 Ashleigh Barty is ready to make a triumphant return to the sporting stage, this time on the lush fairways of Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, New Zealand.
As the headliner of the prestigious New Zealand Open pro-am golf event, Barty's journey from tennis stardom to the golf green is set to captivate audiences from February 29 to March 3, 2024.
After an incredible 121 weeks at the top of the women's tennis rankings, Barty bid farewell to tennis in March 2022, competing at three grand finals: 2019 French Open, 2021 Wimbledon and 2022 Australian Open. He left a legacy including a slam title.
Although her departure from tennis shocked the world, Barty made a smooth transition into the world of golf.
She will show off her golfing skills at the 2022 Icons Golf Series in New Jersey, joining American swimming legend Michael Phelps, British soccer player Harry Kane and former Australian cricket captain Ricky. -Shared the stage with other sporting icons such as Ponting.
Barty, a keen golfer with a handicap of 4, expressed her enthusiasm for the next challenge, saying: ! ”
Despite her illustrious tennis career, Barty admits that her first tee shot can be nerve-wracking, but once the initial nerves subside, she's comfortable getting into the swing of things. I'm optimistic.
“Golf has always been a passion of mine and I feel lucky to be able to play in tournaments like the New Zealand Open and experience great courses like Millbrook,” Barty said.
“I think the first tee shot in front of everyone is pretty nerve-wracking, but once the first ball hits the fairway, things should calm down. My goal is to go out there and enjoy every moment of it and hopefully end the weekend The goal is to qualify for the Pro-Am.”
The New Zealand Open is known as one of the country's premier sporting events and promises an exceptional experience for players and spectators alike.
Held at the picturesque Millbrook Resort, the tournament has a unique Pro-Am format and ranks as world golf's only National Open. Sponsored by the PGA Tour of Australia and the Asian Tour in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour, the event attracts top talent from around the world.
Barty will join 156 amateurs in the first three rounds and will rub shoulders with experienced professionals vying for the coveted spot in the final round.
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