Amateur Career

During her time at San Jose State University, Inkster swiftly established herself as a standout amateur golfer. Between 1979 and 1982, she won three consecutive U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships—a rare and extraordinary feat. In recognition of her athletic accomplishments, San Jose State named her Athlete of the Year in 1981. Her collegiate performance drew significant media attention and set the stage for her professional success.

Professional Golf Career

Inkster turned professional in 1983 and made an immediate impact by winning the Safeco Classic in her rookie year. Her early success continued with two victories the following season, earning her the LPGA Rookie of the Year title in 1984. Over the course of her career, she accumulated more than 30 LPGA Tour victories, including seven major championships—a testament to her consistency and elite skill level.

Some of her career highlights include finishing second in season earnings in 1999 and achieving third-place rankings in 1986 and 2002. Despite never leading the LPGA money list by year’s end, her performance consistently kept her among the sport’s upper echelon. As of 2012, she ranked fifth in all-time LPGA earnings.

Inkster's contributions extended to team competitions, particularly the Solheim Cup, where she played nine times and later captained the U.S. team in 2015, 2017, and 2019. In 1999, her achievements were recognized when she was named the U.S. Female Athlete of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee.

In 2011, Inkster underwent elbow surgery, forcing her to miss the entire 2012 season. Though she returned to competition afterward, she acknowledged the increasing toll age and injury were taking on her performance. Nonetheless, she remained an active and influential presence in women's professional golf.

Broadcasting and Media Work

In addition to her playing career, Juli Inkster expanded into broadcasting. She served as a golf commentator and analyst on Golf Channel, earning respect for her insightful interviews and in-depth game analysis. While she has not confirmed whether she plans to pursue broadcasting full-time post-retirement, her on-air work has been well received and remains a promising avenue for her continued involvement in the sport.

Personal Life and Legacy

Inkster married Brian Inkster in 1980, and the couple has two daughters, Cori and Hayley. Widely admired both professionally and personally, she demonstrates a rare combination of competitive excellence and lasting influence.

As of recent estimates, Juli Inkster has a net worth of approximately $13 million. She joined Twitter in 2012 and remains engaged with fans, boasting nearly 10,000 followers.

Now in her 60s, Inkster’s active playing days may be winding down, but her legacy as one of the most successful female golfers remains secure. Her continued work as a golf commentator ensures that her experience and passion will continue to benefit the sport for years to come.