Former tennis world number one Ash Barty is making headlines today as she prepares to tee off at the New Zealand Open’s prestigious pro-am component at Millbrook Resort. Playing off a handicap of four, Barty is paired with her long-time friend and DP World Tour professional Anthony Quayle. Since her shock retirement from tennis in 2022, Barty has frequently participated in high-profile golf events, and her presence this week has drawn significant media attention to the $1.69 million tournament. 

The event features a star-studded field of celebrities and athletes, including 11-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater and former cricket captain Ricky Ponting. Despite her lack of recent practice due to family commitments, Quayle has labeled Barty a "dark horse" for the pro-am title. Fans are eager to see if her world-class athletic discipline will translate into a top-tier performance on the greens as the tournament officially begins its first rounds.