Ash Barty's shock return to sport - and it's not tennis

Ash Barty has agreed to play in a huge global golf tournament which will be televised live in Australia and feature some of the biggest names in world sport.

The news comes after she wowed onlookers in a secret practice session during last year's US Open and won a women's tournament held in Queensland in April. 

Captained by two golfing superstars, some of the world's most iconic athletes will battle it out in the new Icons Series - a nine-hole team match-play tournament at the prestigious Liberty National Golf Club, New Jersey from June 30-July 1.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Tottenham striker Harry Kane are set to showcase their talents away from the pitch - and this time they will be on the same side - as they join Barty on Ernie Els's Rest of the World Team. 

They'll all face Team USA, which will be skippered by former world No.1 and US Masters winner Fred Couples and feature Olympic swimming record holder Michael Phelps, boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya and former NFL stars Michael Strahan and Ben Roethlisberger. 

Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail, Els said: 'They're (fans) going to see some familiar faces in an unfamiliar role, so that'll be interesting!

'But these guys are used to performing under pressure so I have faith they'll rise to the challenge and we'll see some good golf out there.

'The matches will be competitive, but played in the right spirit. It's going to be fun to be a part of and definitely fun to watch.'

The teams will feature 14 athletes each with the full line ups set to be released in the coming weeks.

Barty shocked the sporting world by retiring from tennis aged just 25 last month, six months after claiming the Wimbledon title last year.

She grabbed the world No.1 spot on June 24,