Ash Barty and Shane Warne could have been teammates in global golf tournament in the USA

Ash Barty will take her first step in her post tennis career in an event where the retired tennis star could have partnered with Shane Warne.

Ash Barty and Shane Warne on the same team? It nearly happened. Not in cricket, but golf.

Warne and Barty could have been teammates in a new global golf format which should be Australia-bound.

Barty is one of key signings of the inaugural Icons Series, a matchplay format over nine holes at the Liberty National course.

Fellow competitors include Ernie Els, who will captain Barty on the Rest of The World team featuring Manchester City soccer manager Pep Guardiola, Tottenham striker Harry Kane, and boxing champion Canelo Alvarez.

Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Ash Barty (R) and Shane Warne (C) at Royal Melbourne in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein

They will take on a United States side captained by former world No.1 golfer Fred Couples and including pool great Michael Phelps and boxing great Oscar De La Hoya.

News Corp understands Warne, who enjoyed the celebrity golf scene, was keen on joining the cast of superstars before his death last month.

Barty, who hopes her participation will encourage more women to take up the game worldwide, wants to bring the tournament to Australia and already there is interest from Sydney and Melbourne. The series is expected to be televised in Australia.

“The Icons Series is a global concept and as a proud Australian, I’m keen to ensure we get to bring the series to my home country,” Barty said.

Ash Barty is an impressive golfer.

“I think the athletes will love competing on Australian golf courses and visiting our incredible country. Aussie sports fans are some of the best in the world and I know they’ll love experiencing an Icons Series event.”

“It’s such a unique opportunity to have fun, test yourself and compete against the world’s greatest athletes in a sport that we are all so passionate about. I can’t wait to experience Liberty National and learn from our iconic captain Ernie Els.”

Barty stunned the sporting world when she retired from tennis at the peak of her career last month but has always had a deep connection to the golfing world.

Barty plays off a handicap of four at the tough Brookwater course and recently beat a small field in a weekend tournament with minimum practice.

Her fiancee Garry Kissick is a trainee professional at the course and she once said her golfing genes are even deeper than they are in tennis with her father Rob a former top amateur.