Nervous Ash Barty making comeback this weekend
On the opposite side of the planet to her former tennis compatriots and competitors, Ash Barty is preparing to suit up for triumphant return to international sport.
The former tennis world number one is getting ready to compete in the Icons Series golf tournament in New Jersey at Liberty National golf club – and it will mark her official return to international competition since hanging up the racquet earlier this year at just 25 years of age.
Barty has shown how serious she is about exploring golfing as a career by signing up for the Icons Series where she will be watched on by a global TV audience.
During competition she will be going head to head with some of the biggest names in sport, including 23-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps, NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, boxing megastar Canelo Alvarez, English footballer Harry Kane and Aussie cricket legend Ricky Ponting.
Barty is playing for “Team World” in a Ryder Cup-like format against Team USA in a nine-hole team matchplay exhibition event.
The second day of the competition will be broadcast around the world, including on Fox Sports and Kayo from 4 am (AEST) on the morning of Sunday the 3rd of July.
Barty won the ladies competition at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club in Brisbane’s outskirts in April and she plays off a handicap of 4. However, playing on the global stage is another level of pressure. “I’m going to absolutely be struggling,” she said in a recent interview.
“My heart was beating so fast playing the club championships in our final with nothing on the line, so this is going to be a lot of fun.
“I will just soak it all in, if it (my first tee shot) goes badly it’s all right, it is what it is, just go out and enjoy it with a smile.”
Barty has always been a talented golfer and it was just over two years ago that she stunned American golfing great Tiger Woods.
Barty also impressed English golfer Ian Poulter at the US Open, Icons Series chief executive Thomas Brookes revealed recently.
“She’s got those skill sets within her locker. With a bit of practice she can get lower than a three or four handicap. I know she’s really, really excited to be playing in New York and she’s also really keen to bring the concept to Australia.”
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