Retirement from the game is a common sight in the sporting world. However, there are some retirements that have a far larger impact than others. The same was the case with former tennis player Ashleigh Barty. Playing at her peak, the former World No. 1 won the 2022 Australian Open title. However, as the world celebrated her win, she came forward to announce her retirement from the sport, days after winning the title.

The sudden retirement gave birth to a long list of speculations. While some considered it to be a family affair, others called it a decision purely based on professional choice. Even though Barty is yet to announce what is she heading to, she has come forward with her latest engagement. The 26-year-old is all set to take part in a unique gold competition featuring the who’s who of the sporting world.

Ashleigh Barty set to polish her golf skills

Diving into Barty’s life, one can see her love for golf. Apart from being a professional tennis player and a cricketer, Barty also has a major love for golf. Over the years, the 3-time Grand Slam champion has participated in and won several golf championships.

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Having a hand on the game, the Australian sensation is set to showcase her golfing skills at the newly launched Icons Series. A one-of-its-kind competition, the Icon series will feature the biggest names in the sporting world outside golf. Divided into two teams, ‘Team USA’ or a player of ‘Team Rest of the World’. The teams are reported to be led by golfing legends Fred Couples and Ernie Els.

Who would feature in Team Rest of the World?

Being from Australia, Barty is all set to represent Team Rest of the world in the President’s Cup-style event. Along with Barty, we would get to see icons from almost all major sports. Footballers Harry Kane and James Milner, Cricketers AB De Villiers, Yuvraj Singh, Ricky Ponting, and Brian Lara amongst others, would represent Team Rest of the World.

Team Rest of the World undoubtedly has some of the biggest names in the sporting world. However, Team USA is not far behind. Having players like swimmer Michael Phelps, NFL player Ben Roethlisberger, and former baseballer J.R. Smith, leveling the competition of Barty’s team.

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The competition is set to take place today and tomorrow i.e. 30th June and 1st July. Going down Barty’s tennis career, she has achieved heights that remain untouched by a majority of players. Being a former World No. 1 and a 3-time Grand Slam champion, she has had one of the most graceful tennis careers. 

Will she be able to have the same level of dominance in golf? Do let us know in the comments below.