Ash Barty Joins Team World for Icons Cup South Africa | Townpress Newspaper
GEORGE — Three-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty has been confirmed as the latest addition to Team World for the upcoming Icons Cup South Africa. The announcement, made during South Africa’s Women’s Month,. . .
GEORGE — Three-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty has been confirmed as the latest addition to Team World for the upcoming Icons Cup South Africa. The announcement, made during South Africa’s Women’s Month, marks the return of the former tennis world number one to the competitive golf arena this December. Barty will join Captain José María Olazábal’s squad at The Links at Fancourt in George from 11 to 13 December 2026. The Australian athlete, who plays off a remarkable handicap of two, will compete against a star-studded Team South Africa led by golf legend Ernie Els. This selection follows her successful 2022 appearance at the Icons Cup in New York, where she recorded a winning record on the course. The Icons Cup format places world-class athletes from various sporting backgrounds into high-stakes match-play golf. Barty joins a Team World roster that already includes football legend John Terry and cricket icon Brian Lara. They will face a formidable local side featuring South African sporting greats such as AB de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Butch James, and Vernon Philander. The event highlights the growing trend of multi-disciplinary athletes testing their skills in professional-grade golf environments. Barty, who retired from professional tennis while ranked number one globally after winning the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open, is regarded as one of the most naturally gifted athletes of her generation. Her inclusion in the tournament is expected to draw significant international attention to the Garden Route. Public interest in the event is high as it brings global sporting icons to South Africa’s top-ranked golf course. The tournament will be broadcast live to over 150 countries, showcasing The Links at Fancourt to a global audience. Organizers have indicated that further roster announcements for both the 14-player squads are expected in the coming weeks. Anyone with additional information relating to this story can contact us through email press@townpress. co. za.