Ash Barty makes international sporting comeback at Golf Icons Series

Aussie legend Ash Barty has made her first foray out of retirement in her international sporting comeback this weekend.

Ash Barty has made her return to international sport at the Icons Golf Series in New Jersey, thousands of miles away from Wimbledon.

The three-time grand slam champion announced last month she was swapping her tennis racquet for some golf clubs to take part in the exhibition event.

Barty signed up for the Icons Series where she will be watched on by a global TV audience while 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.

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Barty is representing “Team World” in a Ryder Cup-style format against Team USA in a nine-hole team match play exhibition event.

Former Masters champion Fred Couples is leading the American team against four-time major winner Ernie Els and his international squad.

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.

Ash Barty’s next sporting chapter has begun. Photo: Mike Stobe/Getty Images/AFP

The tennis champ has swapped her racquet for golf clubs. Photo: Mike Stobe/Getty Images/AFP

But playing on the global stage is another level of pressure and Barty admitted she would be feeling the nerves on the first tee.

“I’m going to absolutely be struggling,” she told Fox Sports golf expert Paul Gow in an interview on Fox Sports and Kayo ahead of the Icons Series.

“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 was spotted getting some last minute tips from Els and her swing was smooth as she held her own as the only woman competing in the event.

Barty’s fiance Garry Kissick, an aspiring golf pro, is caddying for the 26-year-old.

Her first tee shot went off without a hitch on Friday (AEST) when the action got underway at the Liberty National Golf Club.

Golfer Ash Barty in action, playing with English footballer Harry Kane, at the Icons celebrity series in New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/G7avWRcYrl

— Jack Snape (@jacksongs) June 30, 2022

Barty tees off on the first hole. Photo: Instagram.

It was as mixed day of results for the Aussie. Photo: Mike Stobe/Getty Images/AFP

It was a mixed first day of results for Barty, who paired up with Tottenham star Kane to win their “Greensome” tie.

But the duo lost their fourball match-up against former baseball pitcher John Smoltz and ex-NBA star J.R. Smith.

Barty then teamed up with fellow Aussie Ponting, but they lost their fourball match to former NFL players Reggie Bush and Michael Vick.

After day one, team USA holds a 10-5 overall lead over team Rest of the World.

The second day of the competition will be broadcast around the world and to get your golf fix, watch the Icons Series on Fox Sports and Kayo from 4am (AEST) on Saturday morning.

Team ROTW 5-10 Team USA

Icons Series day one: done

Team USA keep home advantage into the second day of Icons Series. Stay tuned for a blockbuster day tomorrow 👀 #IconsSeriespic.twitter.com/PgcfOqEggv

— Icons Series (@IconsSeries) June 30, 2022

Ash Barty bumps fist with Harry Kane on the 6th hole during day one of the Icons Series. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)