Dean Jones backs Ponting to become 'dual professional' by 'mastering' golf

Former Australian cricketer-turned professional golfer Dean Jones has said that former captain Ricky Ponting can become a 'dual professional' by mastering both golf and cricket.

Ponting's opening round at the New Zealand Open in Queenstown on Thursday, in which he scored six birdies, led many to suggest that he is as good in golf as he was as a cricketer.

According to News.com.au, Jones backed Ponting to succeed in golf as he had done in cricket and said that Ponting is good to go as he is a great putter, hits very long shots and has a passion for golf, adding that when he is not playing cricket, Ponting 'lives and breathes golf'.

The report mentioned that Jones spent years contemplating a career in golf post-cricket, and eventually made the switch when he turned 50 and was eligible for the seniors tour by contending on the local PGA Legends circuit.

Although Ponting has plenty of time on his side if he wants to follow in Jones' footsteps to the seniors tour, however, Jones warned the former skipper that golf is a lonely sport and is quite intimidating while on tour, adding that unlike cricket, Ponting will have to make all arrangements for himself.

Jones, long regarded as a larrikin in the cricket world, struggled to adapt to golf's individual lifestyle and believes that it may also take Ponting some adjusting if he wants to play golf.