ASH BARTY could be eyeing another sporting career, this time in GOLF – and would have the backing of Tiger Woods.
The former world No1 tennis ace plays off a handicap of four.
And she proved her class by winning a tournament at Brookwater Golf and Country Club in Queensland this weekend.
Barty, who won the club championship in 2020, shot a round of 34 and is said to have won £17 after finishing first in the five-player field – a couple of months after landing £1.6million for winning the Australian Open to take her career earnings beyond £18m.
And after dropping her bombshell retirement from tennis just two weeks ago to “chase other dreams”.
The 25-year-old refused to disclose what those plans are but some reckon it may be a shot at going down the golf route.
World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie Webb, who will captain Australia’s golf teams at the Paris 2024 Olympics said: “I don’t see Ash wanting to do a sport where she has to travel the world.
“I think that’s part of what she didn’t like about tennis, being away from Australia. [But] I wouldn’t put it past her to be Australian amateur champion one day.”
Barty and her fiance Garry Kissick met on the course and are building a new house right by the Brookwater club.
The reigning Wimbledon took a break from tennis in 2014 and played in the Women’s Big Bash cricket competition in Australia before returning to tennis and dominating the sport in recent years.
However, in 2020 she featured at an exhibition golf event in Melbourne.
And after pulling off a fine wedge shot in front of Woods, the legendary American said: “She’s got a great wing, are you kidding me?”
Woods, 46, is currently at Augusta and considering a shock appearance at this week’s Masters.
Just 14 months ago, the 15-time major champ was fortunate to survive a horror car crash and smashed his leg.
But he practised at his beloved Georgia course and could feature in the field come Thursday’s first round and begin his quest for a sixth green jacket.
Barty took a break from tennis and played cricket professionally in her homeland
