USGA names Juli Inkster, a first-class champion and mentor, the 2022 Bob Jones Award winner

Juli Inkster won her first U.S. Women’s Open at age 39, a full 17 years after claiming her third U.S. Women’s Amateur title. Of the many things to admire about the 61-year-old LPGA Hall of Famer, tenacity might be at the top of the list.

Few players in the game — male or female — are as admired by their peers as much as Inkster, a true do-it-all super mom who went back to the tour six weeks after giving birth to daughter Hayley. Inkster remains the only player to win the U.S. Women’s Open as a mother.

The decorated American now adds another distinction to her resume after the USGA announced Inkster as the winner of the Bob Jones Award, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates the exemplary personal traits exhibited by Jones, a nine-time USGA champion whose integrity and spirit are considered the gold standard in golf. Past recipients of the distinguished award include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Mickey Wright, Nancy Lopez, President George H.W. Bush and Se Ri Pak.

“My dad is a huge fan of Bobby Jones and he’s not doing well right now,” said Inkster, a five-time USGA champion. “For me to be able to tell him I won the award was just really special. So, you know, you go through this life and you have a lot of different ups and downs, and I know I did a lot with my career.”

Inkster took up the game at age 15 and has competed in 43 USGA championships over five decades. She won 31 times on the LPGA, including seven majors. The only player to serve as U.S. Solheim Cup captain three times, Inkster has more wins in Solheim Cup matches than any other American (9). Known for her tireless work ethic, her sportsmanship, her leadership and memorable dance moves, Inkster is an inspiration to generations of players.

“Juli exemplifies the true nature of this award in every way,” said Mike Whan, USGA CEO. “The game of golf is better because Juli is in it. She has earned respect throughout her impressive playing career, but more than that, her mentorship to other players has had a tremendous impact on so many. We are very lucky to have her in the USGA family and are thrilled to honor her with this prestigious award.”

Inkster won 17 titles at San Jose State and remains one of college golf’s biggest advocates, lending her to name to the Juli Inkster Senior Award, given annually by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association to the top-ranked female college golfer who has completed her fourth year of eligibility.

“We’re trying to get the kids to stay in all four years,” said Inkster. “I do a two-day mentorship with (the winner), and they get two exemptions into tournaments. Workday gives them about $35,000 to start their career, so it’s definitely worth doing it, and we’re trying to grow it a little bit more each time.”

Juli Simpson Inkster with the trophy after winning the 1980 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Copyright unknown/Courtesy USGA Archives)

The relationships extend to tournaments as well as Inkster remains active on a limited basis on the LPGA and in senior events. She plans to make her 2022 debut on the LPGA at the JTBC Classic at Aviara in Carlsbad, California. Inkster said her youngest daughter Cori recently moved to San Diego and joked that she’d have private housing.

Inkster serves as a mentor to so many on the LPGA, but especially young moms.

“Hayley was sleeping in closets and bathrooms and anywhere it was dark,” said Inkster. “I’m traveling with my parents and not sure I was playing good golf or being a good mom or being a good wife or whatever, but you know, I did it and I think it made me stronger.

“I know it made me a better mom, so I think doing that, I think once you do that, I feel like you think you can do anything, you know.”