Former tennis world no. 1 Ashleigh Barty is poised to make a triumphant return to the sporting arena, this time on the lush fairways of Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort in New Zealand.

Headlining the pro-am golf event at the prestigious New Zealand Open, Barty’s journey from tennis stardom to the golfing greens is set to captivate audiences from February 29 to March 3, 2024.

After a remarkable 121 weeks at the top of women’s tennis rankings, Barty bid farewell to tennis in March 2022, leaving behind a legacy that included three Grand Slam titles — the 2019 French Open, the 2021 Wimbledon, and the 2022 Australian Open.

While her departure from tennis took the world by surprise, Barty has seamlessly transitioned into the golfing realm.

She showcased her golfing prowess at the Icons Golf Series in New Jersey in 2022, sharing the stage with other sporting icons such as American swimming legend Michael Phelps, English footballer Harry Kane, and former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge, Barty, an avid golfer with a handicap of four, said: “Having the opportunity to play in the pro-am event in 2024 is something I’m excited about, though I definitely need to start practicing!”

Despite her accomplished tennis career, Barty acknowledges the nerve-wracking nature of the first tee shot but remains optimistic about settling into the swing of things once the initial jitters subside.

“Golf has always been a passion of mine, I feel fortunate to be able to play in events like the New Zealand Open and experience an incredible course like Millbrook,” Barty said.

“I imagine that first tee shot in front of everyone will be quite nerve-wracking, but once the first ball hits the fairway, hopefully things should settle down. My aim is to go out there and enjoy every minute of it and hopefully make the weekend pro-am cut.”

The New Zealand Open, renowned as one of the country’s premier sporting events, promises an exceptional experience for both players and spectators alike.

Taking place at the picturesque Millbrook Resort, the tournament, with its unique pro-am format, stands as the only National Open in world golf. Co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour, and featuring a partnership agreement with the Japan Golf Tour, the event attracts top-tier talent from across the globe.

Barty will join 156 amateurs in the opening three rounds, rubbing shoulders with seasoned professionals as they vie for a coveted spot in the final round.