Ash Barty’s two-year-old son, Hayden, has taken the internet by storm with an irresistibly cute photo showcasing him with his own golfing bag and clubs, prompting an outpouring of affection from fans who gushed, “Omg stop it!” The image, shared on Instagram at 10:30 PM AEST on Monday, July 21, 2025 (equivalent to 09:30 AM WAT today, Tuesday, July 22), captures Hayden emulating his father, Garry Kissick, a PGA trainee professional, and his mother, the retired tennis icon renowned for her golfing skills. As the clock ticks to 06:10 AM WAT in West Africa, this viral moment has already amassed thousands of likes and comments, with social media buzzing with delight over the toddler’s early sporting flair.
Barty, the three-time Grand Slam champion who stepped away from tennis in March 2022 after her Australian Open win, has often highlighted her love for golf, competing in pro-ams and even outdriving Kissick in a 2023 charity event. The photo, showing Hayden gripping a junior club with a miniature bag slung over his shoulder, suggests a natural progression in the Barty-Kissick household, where sport is a family affair. Since welcoming Hayden on July 3, 2023, and their second child, Jordan, on June 16, 2025, Barty has embraced motherhood in Queensland, balancing it with ventures like children’s books and mentoring young players. This latest snapshot, likely taken during a casual family outing, underscores her seamless integration of family and athletic legacy.
Fans on X have flooded the post with praise, with @tennisfanatic23 writing, “Omg stop it, Hayden is too cute with that golf bag!” and @aussiesportlove adding, “Future champ in the making—those genes!” The reaction reflects Barty’s enduring popularity, amplified by her relatable posts since retirement, including Hayden’s birthday celebrations and Jordan’s birth announcement. Kissick, who proposed to Barty in 2022 and married her that July, has shared his pride in Hayden’s interest, hinting at golf lessons to come, a nod to his own aspirations and Barty’s competitive spirit—evidenced by her 2019 claim of a “pretty decent swing.”
This viral moment arrives as Barty enjoys a quieter life compared to her playing days, though she remains a cultural icon in Australia. The photo’s timing, just weeks after her Wimbledon commentary stint and amid her focus on family, adds a wholesome layer to her narrative. Some speculate Hayden could inherit her athletic genes, though Barty has jokingly told *The Herald Sun* she’s “terrified” of the chaos two kids bring, let alone a third sportstar. As the sun rises at 06:10 AM WAT, this heartwarming image not only cements Hayden’s viral fame but also reinforces Barty’s status as a beloved figure whose influence extends beyond tennis courts to golf greens and family life.
