A pioneer working mom, Inkster stands as proof that you can indeed have it all—family, marriage and a professional career that exceeds all expectations. She accomplished this early, before pregnant working women became a TV norm. Inkster continued to compete, at times while expecting, on golf courses where she was pitted against the best golfers the world had to offer. Her indomitable spirit to compete and win—her guts in the clutch—has garnered her dozens of trophies and awards, enough to justify a relaxed schedule. Yet she is on a mission. Aug. 18–20 at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa, Inkster takes center stage as captain of the U.S. team in the prestigious, uber-competitive Solheim Cup. Named after golf innovator Karsten Solheim, it is the women’s version of the Ryder Cup. She is sure to bring her A-game knowledge and experience to battle against Europe’s best women golfers led by her longtime nemesis, the great Annika Sorenstam. The last time they met in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany in 2015, Inkster emerged the victor, coaching her American team to an inspired comefrom behind capture of the Cup. This year pride, patriotism and teamwork will be tested. There doubtless will be fireworks, figuratively if not literally. The outcome is yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: Inkster will be ready. Being coach of the U.S. team for the second time is a “huge honor,” says the longtime Los Altos resident and one of the Bay Area’s most popular sports stars. Sports analysts expect the coming event to be the most highly attended Solheim ever, given the popularity of the game in America’s Midwest, not to mention that region’s rampant patriotism. “The girls will be playing for more than their country,” she says. “They will be playing for each other.” Her team will consist of 12 players from the LPGA Tour, where focus is on the individual “medal” play. The Solheim consists of various formats of “match” play. “This is an opportunity for them to experience something other than playing for themselves,” Inkster says. “It’s about respecting your partner. The young players are so much about me, me, me. There’s more to life than golf.” Her accomplished background gives her street cred as a coach and mentor. She played on nine U.S. Solheim teams herself, amassing 18.5 total points, the record for one player. Inkster was the oldest to compete on a Solheim team at age 49. She was a captain’s pick, and that signifies respect. At the 2015 Solheim, there was a dispute over a conceded putt that gave the Europeans a match on the final day. A Golf Channel broadcaster said “Inkster must be livid.” As captain, she rallied her girls with a pep talk. “I can’t tell you what I said to them,” she says. Whatever it was it worked. “We had to win nine of the last 12 matches and we did.” “Juli has a casual style that can fool you,” says Jerry Mauer, a close friend and adviser. “She’s all out to beat your butt. What sets her apart is her tremendous drive to succeed. She is not a quitter in any form. She’s very hard on herself, sets very high standards. Determination is her middle name. She’s willing to put in the work. She keeps herself in terrific shape. She’s always preparing to get better.” In February, Inkster took a few minutes from her full schedule to sit and chat on the patio at Tradition Golf Club in La Quinta near Palm Springs, where she is a member. She and her husband Brian Inkster own a place nearby she calls her “winter hangout.” 60 South Bay Accent Juli Inkster hits a tee shot on the fourth hole during round one of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic on January 26, 2017 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. It’s a break from their home in Los Altos, where Brian recently retired from his fulltime job after 37 years as head pro at Los Altos Country Club. Inkster had just finished a couple hours of practice. She was dressed casually in athletic shorts and top, wearing a cap stitched with the word “Pasatiempo,” the name of the golf club community in Santa Cruz where she grew up as Juli Simpson and where her parents still have a home on the 14th fairway. She ordered a diet soda. The afternoon temperature was a comfortable 82 degrees. Blooming red bougainvillea swayed above manicured green grass, set against a shadowy purple desert mountain backdrop. “It was a little rough at times,” she admitted, raising two daughters while continuing to develop as a professional player. Daughters Hayley, 26, and Cori, 22, were both born during the prime of her career. Following three consecutive U.S. Women’s Amateur titles, the first woman since 1934 to accomplish that feat, Inkster turned pro in 1984 and was named LPGA Rookie of
South Bay Accent - June/July 2017
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