Coming soon, Ponting the Golfer!

In the twilight of his cricket career, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting could be seen swinging a golf club next summer as he might be given a sponsor's exemption in one of the major tournaments in Melbourne.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, "Ponting's reputation as a supreme golfer has made him a candidate for a sponsor's exemption in one of next season's key tournaments.'

The Tasmanian, who stepped down from captaincy after Australia's semifinal exit from the World Cup last month, was reportedly told by nine-time Major winner Gary Player:

"The way you hit the ball, you're wasting your time playing cricket."

PGA of Australia's southern division executive officer Nick Thornton said the 36-year-old could be given an invite the moment he decides to take up golf full-time.

"We don't want to take him out of our Test line-up just yet, and we don't want to take away opportunities for up-and-coming players, but it would be great for golf in Australia for someone like Ricky Ponting to play in one of our events," Thornton was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

"It certainly would create a lot of interest for one of those tournaments, so that is something we are always interested in."