One of the most famous and revered champions of the game, Juli Inkster, made her long-awaited return to LPGA competition this past weekend. She played The Standard Portland Classic as an invitee. It was her first full-length foray into an LPGA event since 2022. At 65 years young, Inkster came oh so close to doing it. She was just one made 36-hole cut away from being the oldest player in LPGA history to make a cut.
Playing in a group with fellow golfers Hannah Green and Stacy Lewis, Inkster clearly looked like she was having a blast out on the course. She kicked off the tournament with a strong 69, showing her veteran talent and love for the sport despite recent setbacks. She fell to 7-under after three consecutive bogeys on her back nine. She shot 74 because of that, missing the weekend cut by a stroke. Inkster finished the tournament with an overall score of 1-under 143.
Inkster said she felt a sense of freedom during her rounds, saying she felt “set free” while competing. This attitude alluded to her success and fun all week long.
I frigging love JoAnne Carner!” gushed Inkster. She looked back on being in awe of the late fellow Hall of Famer, who stole headlines in 2004 when he suited up for the Chick Fil-A Charity Championship at age 64. Inkster said that most golfers would mistake her for Carner. Half-jokingly, she continued, “Most of them still think I’m JoAnne Carner.”
Inkster ended up missing the cut, but considered playing in the tournament to be huge piece of fortune. It put her in a great frame of mind heading into next week’s U.S. Senior Women’s Open. Even after retirement, her experience and insight inspires younger players in the world of sport.
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