Remember when Ash Barty took a hiatus from the WTA Tour in 2014, ventured into a cricket career, and then made a triumphant return to tennis, clinching three Grand Slam titles and claiming the coveted No.1 ranking? Now, the retired Australian tennis player is poised for yet another sports challenge — she will play a pro-am golf tournament in February. Is there a sport this woman can’t play?
Barty shocked the tennis world by announcing retirement at the height of her career, while spending her 121st week at the top ranking position. Four months later, in July 2022, she tied the knot with her long-time partner, Australian professional golfer Garry Kissick. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Hayden, in July of the following year. At this month’s Brisbane International, Barty was spotted watching live tennis with her son in her lap.
In the summer of 2022, Barty played a golf exhibition event in New Jersey, the Icons Series, alongside other international sporting icons. The 27-year-old will now headline the Ambassador line-up for the 103rd New Zealand Open, a golf tournament scheduled to take place from February 29 to March 3, 2024 at Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort.
“I guess if there was one sport that’s truly in the Barty genes, it’s probably golf, more so than tennis,” once explained the multi-talented Australian, who boasts a notable 4 handicap. Her father, Robert, was a skilled state amateur golfer, and her mother, Josie, also exhibited exceptional talent on the golf course. (source: New Zealand Open)
