Earlier today I came upon a 1999 profile of Juli Inkster in the archives of SI Vault.
Described in the quaint parlance of the day, as a "Soccer Mom", Julie was in fact, a mother of two at that point, and had just won the 54th U.S. Women's Open at Old Waverly Golf Club.
With that win she effectively advanced a couple of points toward her Hall of Fame goal and proved that her "comeback from the distracting joys and responsibilities of motherhood" was legit.
At that time few would have guessed that 10 years and two children later... with Hall of Fame membership in her pocket... the 49 year old would still be topping leader boards. But she is.
Tonight Juli Inkster shares a two-shot lead with Ai Miyazato going into the HSBC Women's Champions. If she wins tomorrow. she'll be the oldest winner in LPGA history.
Photos: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
solid game...hard work...and a great attitude! What does age matter?
ReplyDeletego girl go...
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the many reasons I love golf. Juli Inkster ROCKS!
ReplyDeleteI still say Juli might end up playing in the next Solheim Cup, even though she said she's played in her last one. She's like Tom Watson -- once she realizes she can still do it, she isn't going to stop.
ReplyDeleteJuli Inkster is remarkable because she's one of the best ever, but also because she was able keep her game up there while raising children. Men do that all the time but so few women do and that has led some to say that a women's physical capacity diminishes faster than a man's. Which is silly, it's just that they generally feel more vested in the upbringing of the children. It's great to see Juli (and presumably her husband) defying that myth.
ReplyDeleteShe is totally inspiring and I agree with Heather....Juli Inkster ROCKS! I can't wait until she wins again...who knows she may even be 60 when she wins tons more stuff!
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