Ricky Ponting, the celebrated former captain of the Australian cricket team, continues to impress sports enthusiasts, this time on the golf course. Recently participating in the New Zealand Open Pro-Am, Ponting showcased his golfing prowess, a talent he has always subtly hinted at.
During the event, he captured the attention of onlookers at the par 4 seventh hole with a remarkable drive that landed on the green, rolling tantalisingly close to the hole. His delighted commentary, urging the ball to “go a little bit,” was met with excitement, and commentators could only exclaim, “Oh my!” After a single putt, Ponting sealed the hole with an eagle.
Reflecting on his performance, Ponting expressed some frustration at his shot on the previous hole, the sixth, where he inadvertently sent the ball into the water. “I needed to redeem things for my team… nice way to bounce back,” he remarked in an interview with Sky Sport.
Competing alongside talented figures such as former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming and All Blacks legend Richie McCaw, Ponting was paired with Queensland professional Louis Dobbelaar. Together, they finished the event impressively, placing equal 12th with a score of 123 over two rounds.
Ponting’s transition from the cricket pitch to the golf course has resonated well with fans, further cementing his status as a multifaceted sports icon. His ability to shine in a different sport underscores his competitive spirit and versatility.